A Forecast International blog about the arms trade, geopolitics, defense and security, and military spending.
The operation of a ballistic missile nuclear submarine (SSBN) fleet is the price of admission to the “top table” of national prestige and influence. A great power operates SSBNs; if …
With Silent Power Comes Unspoken Responsibility Read More
The Royal Canadian Navy is pushing the government to support a program to build up to 12 new submarines, according to a report from the Ottawa Citizen. The government is …
Royal Canadian Navy Wants 12 New Submarines Read More
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Gilday released a public version of his 2022 Navigation Plan (NAVPLAN) that includes details of the Navy’s desire for a fleet of 373 battle …
New Details Emerge about U.S. Navy’s Desired Fleet Size Read More
The Netherlands’ defense minister, Henk Kamp, has informed the Dutch Parliament that a major defense project to replace the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) fleet of Walrus class submarines will miss …
Timeline for the Netherlands’ Walrus-Class Submarine Replacement Program Pushed Out 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
The decision by Australia to scrap its $66 billion deal to purchase French-designed submarines in favor of a nuclear-powered option enveloped within a broader three-nation security pact with the U.S. …
The Fallout from Australia’s Submarine Decision and Other Ramifications of the AUKUS Pact Read More
In a surprise move, Australia has opted to cancel its plans for 12 French-designed conventional submarines and instead utilize American and British nuclear-powered technology for its future fleet as part …
Going Nuclear: Australia Joins U.S.-U.K. for Future Submarine Solution Read More
The Indian Ministry of Defense (MoD) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFPs) for the construction of six new Project 75(India) (P-75I) diesel-electric attack submarines (SSKs) featuring air-independent propulsion (AIP) …
India’s Defense Ministry Issues First P-75I Submarine Tender Read More
The U.S. Navy has fielded the W76-2 low-yield nuclear warhead, which is used on the submarine-launched Trident II ballistic missile. The low-yield weapon is a variant of the standard W76-1 …
U.S. Navy Fields W76-2 Low-Yield Sub-Launched Nuclear Warhead Read More The U.S. Navy has awarded a $22.2 billion contract to General Dynamics Electric Boat for nine Block V Virginia class submarines, of which eight will be equipped with the Virginia …
U.S. Navy Awards $22 Billion Contract for Nine Virginia Class Subs Read More