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
IAI Reports Brazilian Defense Initiatives
Israeli company is supplying UAS and radar technology via local partners
Alenia Aermacchi Eyes Sales Prospects in Chile
An MoU is signed for “collaboration” on the M-345 basic jet trainer and C-27J airlifter
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.
Inmarsat Launches New Satcom Datalink Service for ISR
Company claims unique advantages for L-band transmission
Malaysian Radar Spotlighted in New MH370 Report
Full details of failings by country’s air defense radar system again withheld from public view
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
Aircraft
Advanced Hawkeye Deploys, as NG Unveils Export Version
Northrop Grumman is developing a longer endurance version that does not rely on in-flight refueling.
Japan Introduces New Airborne Mine-hunting Helicopter
The AgustaWestland AW101 has been adapted by Kawasaki for the unusual mission
Aircraft
Dassault Describes Rafale Prospects; Reports Neuron Progress
The recent deal with Egypt includes three deliveries this year. The Neuron UCAV has flown 100 times.
IAI-Elta Reveals Ground Surveillance Version of Gulfstream G280
Israeli company adds to its range of special mission bizjets
Aircraft
A400M Problems Overshadow Airbus Defence & Space Performance
Head of Airbus military aircraft business replaced
Aircraft
Pilatus Rolls Out 100th PC-21
Swiss company competes in a complicated market for turboprop trainers
Aircraft
Hybrid Air Vehicles Tests Engines Ahead of First Flight
UK government funding is helping mature the huge, innovative hybrid design
Aircraft
IAI Reveals New MPA Based On Global 5000
Israeli company has chosen the Bombardier business jet as it re-enters the maritime patrol aircraft market.
Regulations and Government
Martin Baker Cries Foul Over Rival Seat Improvements
Row develops over alleged improper funding of modifications to the ACES ejection seat
Aircraft
Egypt To Acquire Rafale Combat Jets
Qatar could follow, but negotiations with India are still unresolved.
Aircraft
Drive To Reduce Typhoon Support Costs Continues
The UK Ministry of Defence is not yet ready to sign a long-term deal with BAE Systems.
Aircraft
First Flight for Embraer KC-390 Airlifter
Flying qualities were as predicted during 1 hour 25 minute sortie.
Regulations and Government
USAF FY2016 Budget: U-2 Survives but A-10 Still Cut
Service chiefs protect F-35, KC-46 and LRS-B but say that sequestration would force further tough choices.
Aircraft
Nigerian Airpower Hindered in Boko Haram Fight
The threat to fixed- and rotary-wing operations by Boko Haram is not insignificant, says a chief of policy for the Nigerian Air Force.
Big Air Effort for Small Reward Over Iraq, Syria
Strict rules of engagement and scarce targets, result in most combat aircraft sorties returning with weapons unexpended
Rotorcraft
NH-90 Maker Reports Good Feedback; Describes Support Efforts
NH Industries hopes to improve availability and encourage joint customer funding of future upgrades.
Aircraft
Korea Awaits New F-16 Upgrade Offer
BAE Systems may not bid on other international F-16 upgrade programs after set-back over South Korean fighter choice
Aircraft
Peru’s Re-Order Takes C-27J Sales Total to 80
Sales of Alenia’s Twin-Turboprop Airlifter Continue at a Moderate Pace
Aircraft
Textron AirLand Reports Scorpion Progress, Changes
Flight testing of the private-venture combat jet continues, and a second prototype is planned
