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.

AUSA 2026: raucous scenes as protesters disrupt keynote panel

Demonstrators interrupted the AUSA 2026 panel to protest the war in Gaza, sparking counter-chants from delegates Pentagon plans to establish…
AUSA 2026: heavy armour out, drones and mobility in

Light 4x4 squad vehicles and drone launchers took center stage at AUSA 2026 Western doctrine is treating low-cost strike drones…
INEOS’ Grenadier 4×4 selected by Austria and Italy

Austria and Italy order INEOS Grenadier; Austria opts for the protected version Deliveries start in 2026 (Austria) and 2027 (Italy);…
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%)…
Which teams are left in the UK’s Light Mobility Vehicle programme?

The MoD has reportedly downselected seven teams for the Army’s £2bn LMV programme Several bidders and platforms have emerged via…

CASEVAC on the frontline: Ukraine’s MAUL UGV

Uncrewed CASEVAC to reduce risk to medics amid FPV-drone threats MAUL UGV with armoured casualty capsule; 150+ evacuations to date…
Drones accounting for over 95% of strikes: Ukraine’s Fedorov

Fedorov: drones now deliver 95%+ of combat strikes in Ukraine Ukraine launching “Army of Robots”, building on “Army of Drones”…
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…