Chris Pocock
Defense Correspondent
Chris Pocock has been covering the defense beat for AIN for over 30 years. He is a British citizen and a graduate of the University of Cambridge. Chris worked in the air cargo business for ten years before becoming a full-time writer in 1983. He subsequently edited two air cargo journals before becoming AIN’s Defense Editor. He retired from that position in 2018, but still contributes to the publication. Chris has written extensively on aerial reconnaissance, including four books on the history of the U-2 spyplane. He also lectures on this and other topics related to intelligence-gathering in the Cold War.
Latest from Chris Pocock
Aircraft
Botswana Confirms Saab Gripen Negotiations
About eight aircraft are likely heading for the African state
Aircraft
Turkey Finally Seals Big Blackhawk Deal
Substantial role for Turkish industry in production of 109 Sikorsky S-70 helicopters
Aircraft
For Britain, the F-35 Represents Good Value
For an initial investment of less than $2.5 billion, the UK got Level One status in the F-35 program.
Aircraft
Sensor Fusion and Advanced Software Set F-35 Apart
15 years since Lockheed Martin won the Joint Strike Fighter evaluation, the F-35 is now in service.
Aircraft
BAE Systems Working on ‘Advanced’ Hawk Jet for India
Ahead of a firm agreement with HAL, the OEM is designing a new wing and exploring weapons integration
Aircraft
German Defense Needs Debated at Berlin Air Show
New UAVs, heavy helicopters and air defense missiles were pitched – and an all-German OPV made its debut
Avionics
Airbus Insists: German ‘Sensor House’ Has Strong Future
The divestment plan for its electronics and border security business has been explained by the European aerospace giant
Aircraft
True Value of Airstrikes Over Iraq and Syria Questioned
They are helping local ground forces regain territory from ISIS – but at a high cost in dollars and destruction
Rotorcraft
32 New Airbus Helicopters for UK Flying Training
Training service provider Ascent has awarded the last part of the new Military Flying Training System (MFTS)
Aircraft
UK Confirms Development of New Spear Missile for F-35
MBDA’s Spear weapon will offer long-range and precision, but not until the mid-2020s.
Aircraft
Diamond Aircraft Flies a New Turbo-Trainer
The Austrian company is entering the civilian and military trainer market with a claimed lower-cost offering.
Aircraft
Chinese Airpower Poses Serious Threat
The Pentagon’s latest report describes continued improvement in the country’s military aerospace capabilities.
Aircraft
Leonardo’s New Divisions Emerge But Branding Not Quite Settled
The Italian-based group’s transition from Finmeccanica is proceeding, but heritage names may persist in some form or other
Aircraft
Denmark Confirms F-35 after Evaluating Fighter Alternatives
The Stealth Fighter was judged more cost-effective than the Eurofighter and the Super Hornet in a 21-month evaluation
Aircraft
Thales Sells Helmet Mounted Cueing System To Spanish Air Force
Pilots flying the EF-18 Hornet will cue and designate targets using a system that already serves on US Air Force A-10s and F-16s.
Rotorcraft
Thai Navy Accepts Its First Two Airbus H145M Helicopters
A total of 17 of the lightweight multi-role H145 series are heading for Thailand
Aircraft
GA-ASI Reports Certifiable Predator-B Progress as UK Commits
Ground testing of new fuselage structure has been completed; the UK is negotiating a contract.
Aircraft
British Arms Sales To Saudi Arabia Questioned
Civilian casualties in the Yemen conflict have prompted another call to re-examine dealings that are significant for BAE Systems.
Aircraft
Leonardo Reveals New Lightweight Surveillance Radar
The Osprey is an AESA type that offers 360-degree coverage without moving parts
Aircraft
Heli-One Secures Upgrade of Malaysia’s S-61 Fleet
It will work with local MRO AIROD to provide a glass cockpit for these venerable medium-lift helicopters.
Aircraft
Japan’s Own Fifth-Gen Fighter Makes First Flight
The Mitsubishi X-2 made a short test hop to reposition at Gifu airbase for further flights.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Thales Sells Fulmar Mini-UAV System To Malaysia
It will fly from six new patrol vessels being built for the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).
Aircraft
Boeing Secures More AH-64E Apache Upgrades
The almost completely remanufactured attack helicopter has gained another U.S. Army order, with the UK due to confirm soon.
Aircraft
Rival Hybrid Airship Programs Gain Momentum
Lockheed Martin announced a letter of intent to purchase, while HAV is preparing to fly the Airlander 10
Bullish Saab Sets Rollout Date For Gripen E
Progress with Brazilian program, and the overall sales campaign, was described in a briefing at the Singapore Airshow
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Persistence Rewarded For Zephyr ‘Pseudo-Satellite’ Project
After years of development, Airbus D&S has gained a first order for the solar-powered high-altitude vehicle,
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Saab Leads Newsmakers at Singapore Airshow
AIN's summary of defense developments at Asia-Pacific’s largest airshow.
Aircraft
Northrop Grumman offers C-130 center wing box restoration
Offer derives from a refurbishment program on five C-130H airlifters that Australia gifted to the Indonesian air force
Avionics
Rafael shows Reccelite, upgraded Litening pod
Israeli company’s recon sensor has just been tested on RAF Tornados.
Rotorcraft
Bell, BAE link to promote AH-1Z Viper in Australia
Bell signed a teaming agreement with BAE Systems to promote and support the AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter
