All articles by Richard Thomas

Richard Thomas

Richard is editor-in-chief for defence and transport at GlobalData. He has worked the UK defence beat since 2014, and previously the defence and diplomatic beats in Muscat, Oman, from 2008-2013.

Carriers, shipbuilding, and foreign ownership in new US naval plan

Trump memo launches a major push to revive US naval shipbuilding, boosting capacity and competition Orders a 60-day plan to…
Poland’s Miecznik vs the UK’s Type 31: which is better?

Poland’s Type 31-derived Miecznik (ORP Wicher) floated out faster than the UK’s HMS Venturer Miecznik is more heavily equipped (Mk41 VLS, sonar)…
Forecasts: Türkiye defence market data (2026-2035)

Türkiye’s defence spend is forecast to hit $73.7bn by 2031 (CAGR 8.9%) Acquisition totals $11.7bn in 2026, rising from 18% to 19% of the budget by 2031…
Nightclubs, novelty shops, and resorts among costs revealed by MoD

MoD spent £9.7m on ePCs in July 2026 (£3.1m virtual; £6.5m physical) Spend included hotels/resorts, bars/nightclubs, gift/novelty shops, and flights…
UK seeks Platform Authority to manage drone fleet plans

MoD seeks an industry “Platform Authority” to manage Royal Navy maritime drones Aim: shape Hybrid Fleet/Type 9X concepts and future…

UK MUSV testbed timeline clashes with Type 9X introduction

New MUSV test window (2027–2030) jeopardises the 2030 Type 9X rollout “Shore-based” control hints at limited autonomy May point to…
Forecast: Global Missiles and Missile Defence Systems (2026-2036)

Market forecast: $62.2bn (2026) to $125.3bn (2036), 7.3% CAGR Biggest segments: platform-based MDS (31.2%) and anti-air missiles (28.7%) US ramps…
UK commits further £6bn to Dreadnought, the unaffordable deterrent

UK adds £5.9bn to the Dreadnought SSBN programme as construction continues at Barrow Dreadnought is meant to replace Vanguard and…
Forecasts: Australia defence market data (2026-2035)

Australia’s defence budget is forecast to rise to $65.6bn by 2031 (7.1% CAGR) Growth is driven by major acquisitions and…
UK Government makes history with new Defence Secretary

Jarvis replaced by Wes Streeting in cabinet reshuffle Jarvis served just 40 days—the shortest on record Streeting becomes sixth Defence…