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
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.
Aircraft
RIAT and DSEI: British Defense Shows Attract Widespread Support
Paris drop-outs are among many aerospace companies that will be present at two major events in the UK this year.
Aircraft
EU Creates Naval Task Force as Refugee Crisis Worsens
Italian aircraft carrier will lead efforts to rescue, and stem the tide of, migrants crossing the Mediterranean.
Aircraft
First Ski-jump Takeoff Flight-test for F-35B
The technique will be used to launch F-35Bs from British and Italian aircraft carriers.
Paris Air Show Busy Despite Absentees
A round-up of the defense highlights from the world’s biggest aerospace exhibition.
Aircraft
HAL Chooses TPE331 for New Indian Basic Trainer
But the indigenous HTT-40 program faces competition from the Pilatus PC-7 Mk II, already in service with the Indian Air Force.
Aircraft
Sagem and DCI Offer Turnkey Surveillance Solution
Sagem and French defense services agency DCI will jointly offer Diamond twins and Patroller UAVs outfitted with Sagem's surveillance equipment
Rafael Demonstrates The Pixel Revolution
Israeli company leverages electro-optical expertise for sensor-to-shooter engagement that does not rely on GPS.
Malaysia is a Typical Battleground for the Euro-Canards
Wasteful international competition continues between the Eurofighter, Gripen and Rafale
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Sagem Pitches Patroller UAS To French Army
The self-funded system is based on a motor-glider, and first flew in 2008
Regulations and Government
Indecision Renders European MALE UAV Virtually Impotent
Countries have not yet provided enough definition to allow the industrial team to proceed.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Thales Displays Counter-UAV Work
French research project is concentrating on malicious flying of mini- and micro-UAVs against sensitive government, industry and military sites.
Aircraft
Saudi Ministry Orders Airbus C295W Airlifters
Kingdom previously bought the smaller CN235 transport.
Aircraft
Lockheed Martin’s Hybrid Airship Lands Commercial Reseller
Company will not build its first full-scale Hybrid Airship until a customer is secured.
Safety
Martin-Baker: Saving Lives in the Family Way
From the F-35 to basic trainers, British company offers world’s fighter pilots a means of escape.
British Hybrid Airship Can Now Fly Again
Crowdfunding and government grants ensure that the Airlander 10 will be demonstrated to potential customers.
Aircraft
Dassault Boss Reviews Rafale’s Great Year
India expected to sign soon for 36, may still agree 90 more for in-country production.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
With the UK Sorted, Thales Touts Watchkeeper Prospects in France
New Payloads Offered and Sovereign Requirements Addressed in Export Drive.
Aircraft
The Revolutionary but Thorny U.S. Predator-Reaper Program
There are many improvements to the Reaper UAS that are being considered, while the Predator-C continues as a classified program.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Israel's UAVs Find New Roles as Hunters and Data Gatherers
European industrials and operators can learn from Israeli experience with UAVs.
Aircraft
Dassault Still Hopeful For Full Indian Rafale Deal
Production is being adjusted to accommodate export orders from Egypt and Qatar; other sales prospects discussed.
