A Forecast International blog about the arms trade, geopolitics, defense and security, and military spending.
China appears to be sleepwalking toward a conflict over Taiwan. In response, East Asia has begun to prepare for a war that could start as early as 2026. While some …
East Asian Rearmament – The Red Line Podcast Read More
By C. Zachary Hofer and Carter Palmer From the end of January and into February, an uncommon object captured the attention of observers around the globe, but probably none more …
Balloon vs. Satellite; China and Its Wayward Balloon Read More
India’s efforts to bring the Vikrant on line were given added urgency with the Chinese commissioning of the aircraft carrier Shandong in December 2019. In January 2020, the Indian Ministry …
India’s Aircraft Carrier Program Can’t Keep Up with China’s Read More
For nearly half a century, the one constant in Japan’s defense approach remained its budgeting. Year-in, year-out, regardless of government, Japan has earmarked no more than 1 percent of its …
Japan Prepares for a New Era in Defense Approach and Investment Read More
With China continuing to ramp up coercion operations in the wake of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan on August 2, the government of Taiwan’s president, Tsai Ing-wen, …
As China Looms Ever Larger, Taiwan Prepares Record Defense Budget for 2023 Read More
Canada can be added to the growing list of countries that have pledged to increase defense spending in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Ottawa released a 2022 budget …
Canada Outlines Plan to Increase Defense Spending and Conduct a New Defense Policy Review Read More
With global tensions continuing to heat up, the Chinese government has announced its intention to increase its defense budget by 7.1 percent year-on-year for 2022. The official topline figure will …
China Plans Defense Budget Increase of Over 7 Percent for 2022 Read More
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has given rise to uncertainty about the broader security situation in Europe, and raises questions about U.S. defense investment as Washington weighs its response options. With …
Will Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine Change the U.S. Defense Budget Calculus? Read More
The Senate Appropriations Committee released its version of the FY22 defense spending bill earlier this week. The committee recommends adding billions of dollars to the FY22 defense spending bill, mirroring …
Senate Recommends Additional Defense Spending in Draft FY22 Appropriations Bill 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