UK orders 14 more Chinooks
The UK has finalized an order for 14 more extended-range Chinooks through a deal with the US government
The CH-47-ERs, which are primarily for use by UK special forces, will be delivered to the Royal Air Force (RAF).
The procurement was announced by UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps on 14 February, and will be handled by the government’s Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) procurement agency.
DE&S stated that the new helicopters will “significantly enhance the UK’s strategic mobility”, and will be capable of carrying up to 55 personnel or 10,000kg of cargo.
The aircraft will also feature a modernized airframe and a digital cockpit, and will be capable of speeds of 300km/h.
Chinooks are used by the UK military for a number of roles, including troop transport, battlefield casualty evacuation, and civilian emergency response.
“Our Chinook delivery team has worked closely with our US allies and Army customer on this crucial procurement,” said Keith Bethell, DE&S Director Helicopters. “We now look forward to pushing ahead and delivering this outstanding heavy-lift capability for UK armed forces.”
The US military also placed an order of its own for six Chinooks on behalf of the US Army Special Operations Aviation Command (USASOAC) in December 2023.