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
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.
British Hybrid Airship Can Now Fly Again
Crowdfunding and government grants ensure that the Airlander 10 will be demonstrated to potential customers.
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.
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
AgustaWestland Delivers AW139 to Ivory Coast
Latest delivery to Ivory Coast brings African total beyond 60, and worldwide sales close to 900.
World’s Most Sophisticated Bomb Ready for Production
The Raytheon SDB II has passed a vital Pentagon review, and is slated for F-15s, F-18s, F-35s and maybe F-16s.
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.
Raytheon Pushes Long-Range Missile Defense with SM-3 Missiles, TPY-2 Radars
The radar has been cleared for export in a forward-basing mode, and the missiles are attracting international interest, says Raytheon.
Self-contained Recce Pod Works with a Wi-Fi Link
Austria’s SCAR pod is doing well in the market thanks to its versatility.
Accidents
Faulty Engine Control Software Caused A400M Crash
Airbus D&S says fault was confined to one aircraft, in a final production error.
CAE To Supply UK Merlin Helicopter Training Devices
OEM AgustaWestland selected the Canadian company on behalf of the Royal Navy and Marines. Lockheed Martin gets Chinook training contract.
Aircraft
European UAV ‘Sense and Avoid’ Trials Make Progress
The MIDCAS project sponsored by the EDA used an Alenia Aermacchi Sky-Y demonstrator UAV in flight trials against conflicting traffic.
Thales Reveals Ballistic Missile Early Warning Radar
A subscale demonstrator of Europe’s first BMEWS is nearly ready for testing.
Airbus Helicopters Prepares To Deliver H145Ms
The German army and Thai navy are the first customers for the military version of the EC145 T2 (now H145) twin
Embraer Delivers First Upgraded A-4 Skyhawk to Brazilian Navy
New lease of life for venerable combat jet that fits on country’s sole aircraft carrier
Thales Wins UK Crowsnest Surveillance Contract
Royal Navy Merlin Rotorcraft fleet to be re-equipped.
Aircraft
Euro-Male Study Endorsed by Defense Ministers
France, Germany and Italy signal intent to fund project definition of an all-European medium-altitude, long-endurance UAS.
Aircraft
AirTanker Explores Alternative Leases for Refueling Fleet
Provider of tankers to UK Royal Air Force has placed only one A330 with an airline to date.
Accidents
Fatal A400M Crash Disrupts Production Recovery Plan
Four of six crew killed during failed emergency return to Seville.
Aircraft
Japanese Order Is the First for Dassault’s Falcon 2000 MSA
L-3 and Thales were partners in successful bid to the Japan Coast Guard.
Report: Defense Industry Still Lags on Anti-Corruption Programs
Transparency International investigated 163 companies to produce its new index; improvement seen, but the picture remains inadequate.
Aircraft
Triple Whammy for Team Rafale as Qatar Buys 24
French combat jet scores third export sale in as many months; UAE could be next.
Aircraft
EU Leaders Mull Military Action To Destroy People-Smuggling Vessels
Possible roles for UAVs considered after current patrol and rescue efforts deemed inadequate.
Aircraft
Indian Rethink Is Leading To a Smaller Rafale Deal
Procurement funds may be switched to indigenous LCA and Indo-Russian FGFA.
Aircraft
Operation Inherent Resolve Makes Uncertain Progress
Islamic State forces lose some ground in Iraq but still control large areas. Syrian situation unclear.
