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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thales Reveals Ballistic Missile Early Warning Radar
A subscale demonstrator of Europe’s first BMEWS is nearly ready for testing.
Thales Wins UK Crowsnest Surveillance Contract
Royal Navy Merlin Rotorcraft fleet to be re-equipped.
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
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
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.
Alenia Aermacchi Eyes Sales Prospects in Chile
An MoU is signed for “collaboration” on the M-345 basic jet trainer and C-27J airlifter
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
IAI Reports Brazilian Defense Initiatives
Israeli company is supplying UAS and radar technology via local partners
Accidents
AIN Blog: Germanwings Tragedy Prompts Reflection on MH370 Loss
The fate of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 is still unexplained, but questions have been raised as the role of its pilot-in-command, Captain Zahari.
Malaysian Radar Spotlighted in New MH370 Report
Full details of failings by country’s air defense radar system again withheld from public view
Inmarsat Launches New Satcom Datalink Service for ISR
Company claims unique advantages for L-band transmission
Indian Mirage 2000 Upgrade Paves Way For Rafale Signing, Say French
The first two have been completed in France. Meanwhile however, the operational fleet is affected by a lack of spares.
Accidents
New MH370 Report Reveals Radar, Procedural Failings
Exposes shortcomings at military air defense and civilian ATC control centers, and MAS ops center
Safety
ICAO Reports Flight Tracking, Risk Portal Progress
Secretary-General spoke in Malaysia on new safety measures prompted by the MH370 and MH17 disasters.
Aircraft
Exhibitors Praise LIMA Show Despite Few Contracts
Pilatus sold five more PC-7s to Malaysia, but C-130 and S-61 upgrades were not confirmed, and the MRCA remains unfunded.
Aircraft
Malaysian Show Opens with Crash, Few Announcements
Nonfatal collision between Indonesian turboprops during practice for LIMA
