A Forecast International blog about the arms trade, geopolitics, defense and security, and military spending.
U.S. Air Force leaders unveiled an extensive effort to reshape the Air Force and Space Force to make them more competitive and capable of competing in the era of Great …
U.S. Air Force Unveils Major Changes to Outpace Future Threats Read More
In a shocking development, Army leaders told reporters yesterday they are canceling the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) program. The course change will alter long-range strategic aviation plans for the …
Army Drops Multi-Billion Dollar FARA Helicopter Program Read More
More than 12 years after disbanding its last two tank battalions and mothballing and selling off the entire Royal Netherlands Army fleet of upgraded Leopard 2A6 tanks, Dutch defense officials …
The Netherlands Hope of Resurrecting a Lost Defense Capability Faces Hurdles Read More
The Department of Defense’s (DOD) V-22 Osprey fleet remains grounded (save for one deployed Marine unit), having not flown since before the beginning of the new year. Each additional no-fly …
Grounded: Assessing the V-22 Osprey’s Challenges Read More
The US Space Force (USSF) received a substantial boost in its 2024 budget, securing a significant 15% increase compared to Fiscal Year 2023. This $30 billion budget empowers the USSF …
Space Force’s Top Three Budget Items Read More
The U.S. Navy’s selection of the Italian version of FREMM for its FFG 62 Constellation class frigate program can only be described as a stunning success for Fincantieri. This decision …
FFG 62 Constellation Class Frigate Program Running Late Out the Gate Read More
To say the U.S. FY24 budget process has been tumultuous would be an understatement. In addition to the commonplace continuing resolutions that are needed to avoid shutdowns when Congress is …
A Preview of FY24 U.S. Congressional Defense Budget Negotiations Read More
The U.S. State Department reported that FY2023 U.S. military exports rose to a record $238 billion, up almost 16 percent from $206 billion in FY2022. The major driver in this …
Strong Global Demand Pushes U.S. Military Exports to a Record $238 Billion Read More
by David Hutchins and Shaun McDougall The Biden administration unveiled its inaugural National Defense Industrial Base Strategy earlier this month, outlining the military’s plans to bolster the domestic supply base …
Briefer: National Defense Industrial Strategy Read More
On Oct. 13, 2022, Germany and 14 NATO allies signed a non-binding letter of intent to pursue the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), an integrated air-defense and anti-missile system. The …
Germany Forges Path To Leadership Through The European Sky Shield Initiative Read More