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.

Taiwan defence budget to near 10% growth over next five years

Budget boost: $32.4bn in 2026; projected $46.9bn by 2031; defence spend rises from ~4% of GDP to >5% China-focused posture: Maintains conscription…
Ukraine wants 15,000 recruits to help create drone ‘kill zone’

Ukraine seeks 15,000 recruits for drone-focussed units to build a 10–15 km “kill zone” along the front. The Drone Line project is now part of the Unmanned…
Country analysis: Qatar defence market

Qatar is a major GCC defence buyer; budget is ~$17bn (2026) and forecast ~$20.8bn by 2031 Security concerns—especially Iran—and defence…
Sea Viper upgrade passes halfway spend under Type 45 BMD plan

MoD has spent £218.6m of £405m on Sea Viper upgrades for Type 45 ballistic missile defence Capability One improves Aster…
Exploring the impact of UK ‘ceding’ Type 26 frigates to Norway

UK has shifted some Type 26 build slots to Norway, risking fewer frigates for the Royal Navy (RN) unless more…

Survey: US industry can’t meet global munitions demand

Poll: 65% say the US defence industry can’t meet surging demand; 14% say it can; 20% are unsure Ukraine war…
UK Minister ‘sick and tired of journalists’ talking down military

UK Minister for Defence Readiness blasts “journalists and armchair generals” as defence rows and budget pressures mount UK forces are…
Fact Check: Starmer’s claim on Labour Government’s shipbuilding record

Starmer said Labour is boosting naval defence, with £300m more for shipbuilding and “13 ships on order,” contrasting this with…
UK official suggests HMS Dragon ‘still available’ for air defence

HMS Dragon docked for maintenance soon after arriving to cover Cyprus, sparking confusion over its readiness The delay and rushed…
How the UK gave away its mine hunting fleet

UK removed its Gulf minehunters with no ready replacement Hormuz crisis: UK lacks MCM ships in region and enough escorts…