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
Tempest Unleashes New UK Combat Aircraft Era
UK defence secretary unveils new strategy and full-scale concept model at the Farnborough Airshow.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
SkyGuardian To Bring Big Advances in UK RPA Capability
While Sky Guardian will be much more capable than the Reaper, the U.S. has so far shown no interest in acquiring any.
Regulations and Government
UK Defense Modernization Policy Still Up in the Air
Future Combat Air Strategy could include “system of systems” with multiple types of aircraft, swarms of drones, and other advanced concepts.
Aircraft
Hybrid Aircraft Puts Brave Face on Setbacks
Sadly the Airlander is not at Farnborough having suffered two accidents during development.
IBM Wins Contract for RAF ACCS
The updated system will make use of new data sources.
Hensoldt Adds Customer for Missile Launch Detection System
The Germany company provides the system for a number of air forces in Europe.
Maintenance and Modifications
Private Firms Conduct Independent Military Reviews
The process includes extensive documentary reviews.
Aircraft
Boeing Increases Footprint in UK
Various manufacturing, research, training and educational activities are part of Boeing’s push to grow its presence in the UK.
Aircraft
Airbus Tankers Mate Automatically In Flight
An A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) was auto-refueled by an A310 MRTT.
Aircraft
Reaction Engines Preps For Proof-of-Concept Testing
It’s a long development cycle but UK company founded by Alan Bond, of HOTOL fame, believes the Sabre concept will work.
Cambridge Pixel Offers Display and Tracking Systems
The company recently secured a customer in the Middle East/
TMD Technologies Offers TWT Power Modules
The tubes address a need solid-state technology cannot.
UK Extends Training Contract with CAE and Serco
The companies' facility at RAF Benson will remain in operation until at least October 2025.
Horizon Tech Shows SIGINT System, ISR Pod
Both products can be applied to numerous platforms.
Maintenance and Modifications
Airbus To Support RAF Pumas
The contract runs through 2022 but can be extended.
Aircraft
BAE Systems Awaits UK Combat Air Strategy
There are moves afoot in the UK to ensure it at least retains the capability to build whole military aircraft in the future.
Aircraft
UK's New Aircraft Carriers Rekindle Some Naval Pride
When configured for carrier strike, the two new ships could take two F-35B squadrons, each with 24 jets.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Leonardo Trials Solo and Hero, Awaits First Order
The Italian company is leading two unmanned aerial systems projects that could appeal to varous nations for maritime applications.
Aircraft
Greek Air Force Chooses Tecnam Primary Trainer
Twelve P2002 JFs will be operated at the air academy.
Accidents
Crash Ends USAF Flying Evaluation of Light Attack Aircraft
An Embraer Super Tucano and one of two crew were lost.
Aircraft
Carrier Delivery Version of the Osprey Tiltrotor Is Launched
Bell Boeing gets production funding for CMV-22B, as part of a third multi-year buy.
Aircraft
Australia Confirms MQ-4C Triton Buy
The high-altitude maritime surveillance UAV will join Australia’s P-8s, while Germany mulls buying a SIGINT-dedicated version.
RAF Events Launch Summer Show Season
Big flypasts, a major air power conference, and the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) are scheduled in the UK.
Aircraft
Transatlantic First Planned for GA-ASI SkyGuardian
The RPA will fly to the UK for static display at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT).
Aircraft
Turkey Receives First F-35 Despite Political Row
Congress may halt deliveries because country is acquiring the Russian S-400 SAM system.
Aircraft
Potent New Israeli Air-surface Missile Revealed
IAI and IMI announced the Rampage, shortly before IMI’s sale to Elbit was concluded
Drones Proliferate at Eurosatory Show
The land systems event in Paris also offered some interesting air defense and airborne content
Aircraft
Germany Confirms Heron TP UAV Contract with Airbus
The service agreement will replace an existing one for smaller IAI Heron 1 UAVs.
Tecnam P2006T Offers New Sensor for Mapping Missions
A hybrid Leica sensor has been added to the low-cost surveillance aircraft
British F-35Bs Transfer to the UK
The first squadron is due to be operational from land bases in December, with carrier-based operations to follow
