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.

Can the UK defend the Falkland Islands?

UK defence relies on RAF Mount Pleasant and a small tri-service garrison Argentina is upgrading forces across the domains, increasing…
Forecasts: Finland defence market data (2026-2035)

Finland’s defence spend is forecast to rise to nearly $12bn, driven by Russia tensions and Nato accession Growth expected across air,…
Forecasts: Spain defence market data (2026-2035)

Spain’s defence spend is forecast to reach $65.8bn by 2031 (9.1% CAGR), driven by procurement and RDT&E PITSD earmarks €10.47bn for modernisation; fixed-wing and land vehicles grow steadily to 2035…
Forecasts: Poland defence market data (2026-2035)

Poland’s defence spend is forecast to more than double, reaching $353.8bn in 2026–31 (vs $173.7bn in 2022–26) Big-ticket buys span…
USS Fort Worth to be broken up to sustain remaining Freedom-class fleet

USS Fort Worth will be stripped for parts to support remaining Freedom-class LCS The ship served mainly in trials and avoided retirement…

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…