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
Boeing Files Protest against LRS-B Award
A joint statement with Lockheed Martin alleges “fundamental flaws” in the selection process.
Aircraft
European Maritime Agency Demo for Portuguese UAV
Tekever’s AR5 Evolution will aid SAR and pollution monitoring during the two-year Project Rapsody.
Aircraft
Airbus Helicopters Extends Korean Partnership Again
The European company and KAI will jointly market, as well as develop, civil and military helicopters based on the H155.
Thales Claims Unique Pod Features
From AREOS to TALIOS, Thales Claims Unique pod features
Aircraft
Airbus Proves More A400M Capabilities, and Eyes Exports
But the airlifter can’t refuel helicopters, and negotiations with the partner nations over another contract amendment are continuing.
Faltering Campaign Against ISIL May Be Boosted
The U.S. may place more “boots on the ground’, included much-needed joint tactical air controllers.
Aircraft
Australian MRH-90 Helicopter Problems Aired
Like other operators of the NH-90 series helicopters, the Australians have experienced capability delays and maintainability problems.
Aircraft
GA-ASI Describes Progress Toward Certifying the Reaper
US company also reported service entry of the Extended Range Reaper, and a new US Army order for Gray Eagles
Aircraft
Spirit Offers Cost-Saving C-130H Upgrade
MRO eyes unfulfilled U.S. requirement. Meanwhile, Israel’s own C-130H upgrade takes to the air
Aircraft
More Sea Trials for F-35 Carrier Variant
Meanwhile, the U.S. Air Force describes its plan for IOC, and voices continuing concern about new logistics system
Aircraft
SAIC Offering Eclipse 550s for USAF Pilot Trainer Bid
Company would provide a fleet of Eclipse VLJs for no up-front investment by the U.S. government, at a fee-per-flight-hour.
Northrop Grumman and Selex Combine To Offer IRST Pod
The partners are eyeing a U.S. Air Force requirement that would equip F-15 fighter with a new air-air detection capability.
Aircraft
Source Selection 'Soon' for America’s New Stealthy Bomber
Details of the secretive Long Range Strike – Bomber (LRS-B) program are slowly emerging, as rival bidders await USAF’s choice.
AFA Conference Tackles Budget, Acquisition and Cyber Issues
U.S. Air Force leadership defends major programs and describes new operating concepts.
Aircraft
TR-X: The Skunk Works Studies A New High-Altitude Jet
Lockheed Martin is spending company funds on a U-2 replacement that could be multi-mission.
Aircraft
Lebanon May Get Armed Super Tucanos Despite Instability
Lebanon would be the second country to receive the Light Air Support (LAS) aircraft nominated by the U.S. to bolster security.
Aircraft
U-2 Pioneers Open-mission Systems for U.S. Air Force
Sixty years after its first flight, the fabled spyplane is the testbed for revolutionary plug-and-play technology.
Aircraft
Neuron Program Completes Stealth Test Flights
Pan-European UCAV demonstrator advances, while progress with the all-British equivalent remains unclear
Aircraft
F-35 Does International Refueling, Fires Internal Gatling Gun
Recent testing from Edwards AFB has included the first international air refueling, and the 25mm Gatling Gun
Rotorcraft
Turkish Army Using New Attack Helicopters While Maker Seeks Exports
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) has delivered the first nine T129s; will stage demonstrations in Poland this weekend
Aircraft
Honeywell and Dutch Air Force Agree To Long-term Support Deal
Closer working on maintenance and parts supply should improve the operational availability of over 100 aircraft
Aircraft
Jordan Chooses PC-9M As New Trainer
Pilatus won another competition for turbo-trainers; continues to also deliver PC-7 MkIIs and PC-21s
Lockheed Martin Secures JAGM Development Contract
Dual-mode guidance will improve the capability of Hellfire missiles launched from helicopters and UAVs.
Indian Flankers Test British Typhoons on Exercise
Su-30MKI combat jets impressed during a deployment to the UK; more orders likely as India drops MMRCA
Airbus Declares Another Loss on the A400M Program
The recent accident plus earlier problems still unresolved, have caused two writeoffs totaling €841 million within a year
Rotorcraft
First H135 for Australian Training Contract Accepted
Boeing Australia is the prime contractor for a new training system for Army and Navy pilots
Air Campaign Over Iraq and Syria Gains Turkish Support
But after nearly a year, Operation Inherent Resolve has not had a decisive effect on Islamic State
Regulations and Government
U.S. Insists It Has No Plans for Patriot Deployment in Poland
The U.S. Department of Defense says it is not planning to deploy Patriot missile batteries in Poland.
Aircraft
Japan’s New Maritime Patroller Makes International Debut
The Kawasaki P-1 was flown to the UK’s premier airshow, but is an unlikely contender for that country’s maritime aircraft requirement.
Toward The Unknown: Soaring To New Heights with the Perlan II
The two-seat glider is pressurized to fly at the edge of space, which it will reach by riding stratospheric mountain waves.
