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.

Delivery of UK’s future tank capability remains uncertain

MoD is still weighing what, if anything, replaces Challenger 3 in the 2040s Challenger 3 upgrades are set, but schedule…
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;…
Denmark expands fleet of Leopard 2 tank transporters

Denmark orders 15 more Broshuis/Scania tank transporters Fleet grows to 60, boosting Leopard 2A7 mobility Part of NATO mobility push…
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…
Analysis: Croatia signs deal for South Korean Chunmoo MLRS

Hanwha Aerospace signed a contract with Croatia to deliver 18 K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher systems The agreement marks Hanwha…

UK deprioritises tank live-fire exercises

Royal Tank Regiment live-fire exercise cancelled MoD says training is being reprioritised amid spending reviews Move comes as wider British…
Lords Committee: UK-Poland defence treaty lacks ‘substance’

Lords committee says UK-Poland defence treaty lacks “substance” and detail Warns it’s unclear how the UK will fund the treaty…
Strategic Intelligence: Loitering Munitions (2026)

Market: ~$1.5bn (2026) → ~$2.8bn (2036); >$22bn total (6.4% CAGR). Demand: Europe 86%; Ukraine+Russia ~$14.2bn (66% of global spend). Drivers: AI/modularity/swarming + low…
Armoured INEOS Grenadier breaks cover for LMV bid

Armoured INEOS Grenadier EPV revealed for British Army LMV bid Bespoke armoured shell up to Nato STANAG 2 (not bolt-on)…
Can the UK defend the Falkland Islands?

UK defence relies on RAF Mount Pleasant and a small tri-service garrison Argentina is upgrading forces across the domains, increasing…