A Forecast International blog about the arms trade, geopolitics, defense and security, and military spending.
As naval competition picks up in the Indo-Pacific, Australia has launched several initiatives to modernize and expand the Royal Australian Navy (RAN)’s maritime capacities. Complementing the oft-covered trilateral AUKUS deal …
The General Purpose Frigate: An Opportunity for Japan and Australia Read More
Aware of the increasing stresses to its strategic environment, Australia is moving forward with its largest shipbuilding investment since the Second World War. The aim is to replenish and expand …
Australia’s Ambitious Warship Building Plan Raises Questions Read More
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has requested a review of a 2017 defense treaty with Australia, months after finalizing a security pact with China that permits Chinese troops to deploy to …
Tug Of War In The Pacific Read More
Earlier this month, Ocius Technology delivered the fifth and final Bluebottle uncrewed surface vessel (USV) ordered by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Ocius, a public unlisted company working out of the University …
Australia Steps Up Ocean Surveillance with USVs Read More
Weapons sales have long been a part of security partnerships around the world. The closer the relationship, the more advanced and complex the equipment that can be shared. Sellers may …
China, U.S. Seek to Strengthen Influence through Sub Deals Read More
In what has been described by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as the “biggest single investment in Australia’s defense capability in all our history,” Albanese and his counterparts from the …
AUKUS Nuclear Submarine Details Come to Light Read More
Early in November 2022, the U.S. State Department approved a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the government of Australia of 24 C-130J aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost …
A Leading Electronic Warfare Technology Enhances a Proposed C-130 Sale to Australia Read More
Australia has received the green-light from the U.S. State Department for a potential buy of 24 C-130J tactical transport aircraft from Lockheed Martin via the government-to-government Foreign Military Sales (FMS) …
Australia Cleared by U.S. State Department for C-130J Purchase Read More
Australia is set to acquire an additional 13 Sikorsky MH-60R Romeo multimission maritime helicopters that will bring the Royal Australian Navy’s inventory up to 36 units. The procurement is expected …
Australia Readies Large Helicopter Acquisition Purchases Read More
Australia’s cancellation of its contract with France’s Naval Group for 12 Shortfin Barracuda class submarines (the Shortfin being a conventionally powered variant of the nuclear-powered Barracuda) in favor of …
Australia’s Surprise Decision and the Dynamics of the World Submarine Market Read More