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.

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…
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…
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…
UK claims ‘expanding’ F-35 fleet but no new fighters until 2030s

UK cites an “expanded” F-35 fleet, but simultaneously says no new F-35A/B buys this parliament With no jets in Lots…

Will Storm Fighter suffer the same fate as Mosquito?

UK reveals “Storm Fighter” uncrewed wingman concept for RAF fighters Echoes Project Mosquito, launched 2021 and cancelled 2022 Doubts it…
Forecasts: United Kingdom defence market (2026-2035)

UK defence budget forecast to rise to $126.1bn by 2031, driven by acquisition and R&D Spend prioritises F-35s and submarines; acquisition and R&D…
The Global Satellite Market Forecast (2026-2036)

Global satellite market grows $55bn (2026) → $89.4bn (2036) (5% CAGR); $743.3bn cumulative Earth observation leads (59.1%); North America tops regions (55.9%) Defence/dual-use demand rises…
Forecasts: France defence market (2026–2035)

France’s defence budget is forecast to rise sharply through 2031 Acquisition in areas like munitions will increase significantly Eurosatory highlighted…
UK does not have the money to ‘fix’ the DIP: NAD official

NAD chief: no money to fix the Defence Investment Plan—delays will fund priorities DIP is months late and squeezed from…