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.

US midterms: Trump class, F-47, Golden Dome, and budgets

The $1.54 trillion FY2027 defence budget request faces delays and tighter scrutiny The Trump-class battleship could be cut, while Golden…
Forecasts: Global tactical communications market (2026–2036)

Valued at $16.2bn in 2026, the sector will grow at a 7.6% CAGR, generating a cumulative $259.6 billion over the…
UK Typhoons deployed to patrol the skies above Saudi cities

RAF Typhoons deployed to defend Saudi airspace from Houthi strikes The UK also deployed previously refuelling aircraft and air defence…
Demand signal: SWEBAL on Western energetics needs

Rising demand is straining supplies of TNT, RDX, and nitrocellulose Upstream energetics production is limiting ammunition output Long-term contracts and…
Forecasts: Global military ammunition market (2026–2036)

Market to more than double: $34.2bn (2026) to $75.7bn (2036) (8.3% CAGR) North America leads (39.5%), ahead of Europe (33.8%)…

GA-ASI tests airborne telecoms relay pod for HADR operations

GA-ASI tested SoftBank’s DRU telecoms relay pod on an MQ-9B Payload provides temporary cellular coverage for disaster/HADR response Capability could…
UK appears to reveal A400M fleet operating at 45% availability

UK A400M availability appears to be about 45% (around 10 of 22 aircraft daily) £190m Airbus deal aims to raise…
The secrecy of the UK’s new ‘Space Effects Squadron’

UK announces RAF No. III Space Effects Squadron to protect/counter threats to satellites Capabilities remain vague beyond non-kinetic effects and…
Forecasts: Global body armour market (2026-2036)

Market to grow from $3.5bn (2026) to $6.5bn (2036), led by hard armour North America leads; Europe is more balanced;…
Forecasts: Croatia defence market data (2026-2035)

Croatia’s defence budget is forecast to rise, driven by equipment modernisation Spending focus shifts to land and naval upgrades, including…