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
Lockheed Martin Chief Offers F-35 Mea Culpa, Plus Optimism
Lockheed Martin has learned “some painful lessons” during the development of the F-35, CEO Bob Stevens told journalists in late May.
Aircraft
Boeing Sells C-17 to Australia, Stretches Production
Boeing sold a fifth C-17 airlifter to Australia and delivered the first of six aircraft to the UAE in recent weeks.
Aircraft
AEW&C Version of C295 To fly
Airbus Military is exploring an airborne early-warning and control version of the 
Aircraft
A400M Disputes Resolved, and Engine Certified
In recent weeks, important contractual issues surrounding the A
Aircraft
Boeing Phantom Ray UAV Makes First Flight
The Boeing Phantom Ray stealthy and autonomous UAV demonstrator made its first flight at Edwards AFB on April 27, and flew again in early May.
Aircraft
Russian Helicopters Fails To Convince Investors
A partial flotation of state-owned Russian Helicopters on the London and Moscow stock markets was postponed last week after potential investors failed to s
AIN Blog:Covert Insertions Go Stealthy
I have often wondered whether the U.S.
Regulations and Government
More Pressure on U.S. Defense Budget, Fiscal Year 2012 Highlights
President Obama outlined ambitious new goals for U.S.
Aircraft
Sikorsky Wins Big Black Hawk Deal in Turkey
Sikorsky has won the $3.5 billion Turkish Utility Helicopter Program (TUHP), with a version of the Black Hawk designated T-70.
Aircraft
First Production M-346 Now Flying as U.S., Israeli Requirements Beckon
Alenia Aermacchi flew the first production M-346 on March
Support for Eurofighter Typhoon Criticized in UK Reports
Two semi-official reports have criticized support arrangements for the UK Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon fleet.
Indonesia Is First Export Customer for Korea’s T-50 Trainer Jet
Indonesia has provisionally selected the KAI T-50 Golden Eagle
Embraer Signs Suppliers for KC-390 Tanker-Transport
Embraer Defense and Security signed contracts for the KC-390 tanker-transport program with two industrial partners who will supply airframe structures.
Ae
Northrop Grumman Makes Progress with Advanced Hawkeye
Northrop Grumman announced the first carrier landing of the 
Air Strikes Cannot Prevent Stalemate in Libya; Typhoon Makes Combat Debut
NATO-led air operations over Libya have failed to prevent a s
Regulations and Government
U.S. Defense Spending To Decline as Program Costs Soar
The ongoing impasse in Washington over the Fiscal Year 2011 U.S.
Aircraft
Thales Launches Light Missile as UK Lynx Wildcat Makes Progress
Thales UK announced that its lightweight multirole missile (LMM) has been confirmed for maritime strikes by the 
Aircraft
Airbus Military Delivers First C295 ASW
Airbus Military delivered the first C295 equipped for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) to Chile.
The twin-engine, medium transport aircraft is equipped with s
Aircraft
E-8C Joint STARS Gets Another Set of Eyes
A Northrop Grumman E-8C Joint STARS (surveillance target attack radar system) aircraft has been fitted with an advanced imaging sensor for the first time.
Aircraft
Libyan Air Campaign Expends Large Resources
The coalition of nations flying over Libya to protect civilians under UN Resolution 1973 is still flying some 150 sorties daily.
Aircraft
AIN Blog: The Limits of Air Power over Libya
The air campaign over Libya has rekindled the debate about what exactly air power can accomplish without “boots on the ground.”
The First Gulf War,
Aircraft
F-35 Production Costs Still Unacceptable, Pentagon Officials Say
The expected costs to produce and sustain the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter in service are “simply unacceptable in this fiscal environment."
MBDA Pushing Wider European Defense Cooperation in Missiles
MBDA is stepping up efforts to consolidate Europe’s missile industry, on the back of last November’s Anglo-French Defence Declaration.
Gates Outlines Future Air Force Programs, Directions
In another wide-ranging speech on future defense strategy, U.S.
Aircraft
Boeing Was 'Clear Winner' of KC-X Contest
Boeing has won the KC-X competition and been awarded a $3.5 billion contract for Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) of the 
Aircraft
Pentagon: Boeing Was 'Clear Winner' of KC-X Contest
Boeing has won the KC-X competition and been awarded a $3.5 billion contract for engineering and manufacturing development of the 
