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.

UK Defence Investment Plan: three funding scenarios

Overdue DIP frustrating UK SMEs, amid Labour infighting and election concerns Reported £28bn funding gap fuels MoD–Treasury clash Most likely: partial…
Forecasts: Germany defence market

Budget surge: Germany’s defence budget is forecast at ~$93.4bn in 2026, up 20% from 2025 Procurement-led ramp-up: acquisition spend rises to $22.1bn in 2026 and is projected…
Forecasts: Oman defence market

Oman’s defence budget is set to climb to $11.78bn by 2031 2026 Iran strikes are driving a push for stronger…
Experts warn of European vulnerability to drone threat

Drone incursions in Baltic airspace highlight weak detection/defence Estonia shot one down as regional alerts spread disruption and uncertainty Experts…
Forecasts: United States defence market

GlobalData: US defence budget could rise from $1.05trn (2026) towards $1.5trn to maintain edge vs China/Russia Earlier outlook: ~3.4% CAGR to ~$1.72trn by 2031,…

Forecasts: Saudi Arabia’s defence market

Saudi Arabia buys major US/European defence systems Defence spending is rising again, boosted by conflict and oil revenue Iran threats…
UK Defence Secretary throws support behind Starmer

Healey backs Starmer amid Labour revolt, urging stability UK convenes 40 ministers to push a Hormuz maritime security mission Possible…
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…