Japan’s defense ministry seeks more funding but may not get it. New maritime-patrol aircraft, additional fighter jets and funding to support R&D programs in 2015 are in the budget request.

The Middle East states have varying degrees of influence in defense programs. The U.S. and Russia are poised to benefit, while manufacturers in Europe have been, for the most part, disappointed.

When Congress began to cap Pentagon budgets in 2011, the process of recovering from a decade of failed, delayed and over-budget major procurements was only starting. Ever since, lawmakers and defense officials have been tussling over how to cull older systems to pay for future ones. And more of the same type of wrangling looks likely for 2015.

Much hinges on the outcome of the 2015 elections. In Stephen Harper’s nine-year run as prime minister, his team has attempted a number of ambitious procurements, but overall budget stringency has delayed these efforts. New faces at the helm could help or hinder the procurement process.

The model for many of the Brazil’s procurement programs is a combination of direct import and technology transfer.

The push to have more defense industry-related manufacturing built indigenously is hurting India in the short run, but the benefits could outweigh the pain.

The long shadow of China is having an affect on all other nations in the region. This looming presence bolsters the need for aircraft and submarines and is a key element in all defense budget planning.

All sectors of A&D have met with or are facing divergent factors that will determine much of their direction in the coming years.