Japan orders 17 Block II Chinooks
The new Block II CH-47s will be used to modify Japan’s existing Chinook fleet
The heavy-lift, multi-mission aircraft will be co-produced by Boeing in partnership with Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI), and will replace some of the Japan Self-Defense Force’s (JSDF) older Chinooks.
Japan is the fourth country, after the USA, the UK, and Germany, to place an order for the Block II rotorcraft, which include an advanced digital cockpit, a reinforced airframe, and enhanced fuel tanks.
Chinooks are used primarily for the transportation of personnel and supplies, as well as medical evacuation (medevac). Secondary uses include search and rescue (SAR) and emergency response.
“This award strengthens our decades-long relationship with KHI and provides critical capability improvements that will keep the Japan Self-Defense Forces operating heavy-lift aircraft for decades to come,” said Heather McBryan, Vice President and Program Manager, Boeing Cargo Programs. “The Block II configuration and digital flight controls will modernize and significantly improve Japan’s helicopter transport capabilities by improving aircraft stability, safety, and efficiency.”
The US Army placed an order for three more Block II Chinooks in December 2024.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca was a Junior Editor at the Voyageur Group. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.