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
China’s Military Challenge is Real, and Growing
Astonishing progress in defense technology and production is helping China to develop an aggressive foreign policy.
Aircraft
Storm Warning Comes from UK in Form of Project Tempest
The Tempest fighter is just part of a Future Combat Air System being designed by an international team led by BAE Systems.
Aircraft
DSEI Show Revives Physical Displays and In-Person Contacts
The biennial defense show in London was the first major international defense trade show to take place in Europe since the pandemic began.
Aircraft
Hybrid Airship Floats New Funding
The Airlander hybrid airship program received new funding but needs far more money to achieve first flight.
Maintenance and Modifications
Bombardier Pitches Special-mission Conversions for its Bizjets
From Learjet 75s to Global 7500s, Bombardier's range of business jets stand as candidates for special mission conversion.
Aircraft
Singapore Gets Smart with Airbus A330 Tanker
The Republic of Singapore Air Force will work with Airbus to certify automatic refueling for the A330 MRTT.
Aircraft
USAF Legacy Fleets Survive Budget Review, in Part
The Pentagon decided not to completely retire the A-10, B-1, KC-10, and U-2 after all.
Aircraft
Singapore F-35 Buy Moves Closer
The island state is buying four F-35B STOVL versions, with an option for eight more.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
ST Engineering Showcases Innovative and Diverse Technologies
The Singapore-based conglomerate has a new VTOL UAV, systems to control or counter drones, and fresh activity in the freighter conversion business.
Avionics
Hensoldt Shows New SIGINT System
Germany-based sensor house Hensoldt is also displaying a variety of airborne electronic equipment at the Singapore Airshow.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
U.S. Navy Deploys Unmanned Patrol Planes
The Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton UAV is finally entering service
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Cutting Edge Counter-Drone Technology Offered by Controp
The Israeli company says that its sensors and software classify drone threats with pinpoint accuracy
Safety
Malaysia’s Defence White Paper–All Talk, No Action?
Malaysia has been deferring much-needed procurements for years, but a new Defence White Paper addresses upcoming needs.
Aircraft
Reno Air Races: From Biplanes to Jets
AIN visited air racing's big league at Reno and recorded these observations
DSEI 2019: Unusual Cargo Delivery Drone Gets Contracts
Designed for tactical resupply, the Silent Arrow has been developed for US Special Forces and foreign customers
Aircraft
UAE Now Has Three ISR Exec Jet Programs
A new company is converting Challenger 650s. Meanwhile, fresh details have emerged of a long-delayed project to convert Global 6000s
Aircraft
UK Reveals High-Tech Programs in Air, Space, and Propulsion
Hypersonics, small satellites, flying wingmen and swarming drones are all being investigated.
Question Marks Remain Over F-35 Availability, Support
Can fifth-gen operating costs ever match fourth-gen fighters?
Engines
Does JSTARS Demise Spell End for Airborne ISR?
Space-based reconnaissance and advanced networking offer a paradigm shift for airborne ISR.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
SnapShot Drone Allows For Quick, Easy Video Surveillance
Start-up company FlareBright says its SnapShot UAV needs no pilot or training and can operate in GPS- or radio-denied environments.
Big Claims, Big Cost, for Surface-to-air Missile Systems
The ballistic missile threat is driving new developments.
Aircraft
Controversy Develops over RAF AEW&C Fleet
British air arm must choose between upgrading the E-3D Sentry or buying a new aircraft—possibly the Boeing Wedgetail.
Aircraft
L3 Shows Multi-mission Conversion of Bombardier Q400
The Texas-based systems integrator is promoting the twin-turboprop as a cost-effective solution.
Aircraft
L3 Longsword Sports New Sensors at Farnborough 2018
The converted ag-plane is evolving from a light-attack role to multi-mission capability
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
European Partners Line Up with GA-ASI
U.S. company is looking for more international customers for its successful UAS. The MQ-9 reaper leads the pack.
Aircraft
F-35 Program Partners Focus On Upgrades and Sustainment
Program officials briefed various initiatives at Farnborough
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Airbus Zephyr Production Gets Under Way
Solar-powered, high-altitude aircraft is being produced at Farnborough, with the first Zephyr S being airborne while this week's airshow is on.
Regulations and Government
UK MoD Makes Permanent Rapid Capabilities Office
Office helps the defense world to exploit the ever-accelerating pace of commercial information and systems-technology development.
