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.

Ajax AFV labelled “utter shambles” as MP asks Pollard, “are you ashamed?”

A senior UK government minister has revealed assurances were given by service chiefs and other officials that the Ajax armoured…
Ukraine’s DOT-Chain delivers as Russia claims Pokrovsk capture

DOT-Chain has proved a notable success in bringing agility to Ukrainian defence procurement Russia claims to have seized the strategic…
Budget delivers little as UK Defence Investment Plan wait goes on

The UK’s Autumn Budget, leaked to the media in contravention of parliamentary policy, outlined a series of tax and spend…
British Army forced to suspend use of new Ajax armoured vehicle

British Army crews operating the Ajax armoured vehicle over the weekend reported excessive noise and vibrations Some personnel required medical…
Will Ukraine swallow what the US is forcing down its throat?

A US-led peace plan appears be the gaining political steam, although it reportedly requires Ukraine to cede territory Russia will…

Amid a “new era” of threat, is the UK a weak link in Nato?

The UK is increasingly thought of as a non-peer ally as its armed forces are hollowed out by successive governments…
TNT and CNBC: GlobalData provides explosive analysis

Amid a rearmament surge by Western militaries resulting from the Ukraine-Russia war, demand for explosive propellent has seen considerable investment…
Ukraine targets recruits and retention with new military contracts

Ukraine will introduce new pay scales for military contracts in early 2026, adding new perks In excess of one million…
UK minister cites “operational security” for sniper rifle query snub

The UK wants to replace the L115A3 sniper rifle with an as yet undecided system under Project Shamer Acquired during…
NAO: UK MoD did not have “appropriate authorisation” for key defence costs

The UK’s National Audit Office has examined Ministry of Defence spending into key nuclear defence costs and the Afghan resettlement…