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.

Estonia’s CV90 IFV pivot reflective of changing battlefield threats

Estonia cancels new IFV buy; will upgrade 44 CV9035NLs for ~€100m Extra funds (> $400m) likely shift to counter-UAS and…
UK Minister ‘sick and tired of journalists’ talking down military

UK Minister for Defence Readiness blasts “journalists and armchair generals” as defence rows and budget pressures mount UK forces are…
BTR-4 Bucephalus APC: Ukraine’s ‘assault workhorse’

Ukraine outlined upgraded BTR-4 ‘Bucephalus’ capabilities (layout, RWS, armour); fleet size unclear, estimated ~200–400. Three-compartment design with internal passage and…
Ukraine expands e-Points defence procurement system

Ukraine expands e-Points to cover more components such as comms/optics, navigation/power, controllers Ukraine–Bulgaria to cooperate on UAS/counter-UAS/ammo, potentially via EU SAFE funding Combat operations continue…
Nato estimates UK defence spending is now below alliance average

Nato now puts UK 2025 defence spend at 2.31% of GDP (down from 2.4%) UK is below Nato averages and behind many allies, despite pledges…

Latvia begins transfer of Scimitar light tanks, Spartan APCs to Ukraine

Latvia has started transferring CVR(T) tracked armoured vehicles to Ukraine to equip a battalion-level unit Ukraine stresses funding shortages; Latvia…
Denmark increases multi-year contract for Leopard 2 tank tracks

Denmark is boosting its Leopard 2 track contract value, awarded directly to KNDS FMI cites increased track demand and says…
What is Rapid Sentry, the UK’s mysterious air defence system?

The RAF has highlighted Rapid Sentry; a short-range air defence system aimed at defeating drone threats It fires the Lightweight…
UK seeks to repair weaknesses exposed during Iran-Middle East crisis

The UK appears to be attempting to repair the damage caused by its perceived weak response to the Iran-Middle East…
Who is running the UK Ministry of Defence?

UK Defence Committee left blindsided by new MoD Permanent Secretary hailing a Treasury funding announcement MPs queried Jeremy Pocklington’s suitability…