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.

GAO outlines US Navy disconnect with private shipyards

A report has found the US shipbuilding industrial base has been unable to meet targets for warship manufacture and repair…
UDT 2025: Europe needs submarines and USVs for subsea surveillance

The protection of undersea infrastructure and securing key subsurface capabilities has never been more critical for European countries, amid increasing…
Build of HMS Active sees lift and turn of final double bottom section

The build of HMS Active has progressed with the lift and turn of the final double bottom section of the…
UK defence funding rise “opportunity to invest” in country’s industry

Central the UK’s investment into defence is the demand to generate economic opportunity for the country’s industry, from large defence…
Definition changes and projections: the truth of the UK’s defence plan

The UK has finally set a timetable to increasing its spending on defence from 2.3% of GDP to 2.5% by…

Type 26 frigate builder BAE Systems signs MoU with Norwegian shipyard

The UK’s Type 26 warship manufacturer BAE Systems has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Norwegian shipbuilder Hamek to…
German election: defence outlook of a CDU-led government

The victory of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in the country’s general election will have a considerable impact on defence…
Creation of “FTSE 100 company” within UK MoD central to defence reform

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) will effectively house a new “FTSE 100 company” headed by a new National Armaments…
In pictures: US Navy aircraft carrier damaged after collision

The US Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman has been involved in a collision with a merchant vessel…
Engine room manufacture underway on third UK Type 31 frigate

The keel of the third Type 31 frigate being built for the UK Royal Navy, the future HMS Formidable, has…