Germany approves purchase of 60 CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters, 140 engines, 376 AN/AAR-57 and AN-ARC-231A systems worth $8.7bn

In the spring of 2023, the US State Department approved the potential sale of CH-47F Chinook helicopters to the German Air Force. Nearly two months later, Germany budgeted for the purchase.

Here's What We Know

Germany is buying Block II helicopters. This version has increased altitude and range, an improved transmission and upgraded fuel tanks. By the way, Boeing has already been contracted to produce the last batch of Block I, after which it will focus on Block II.

Germany will spend approximately $8.7 billion. The contract includes not only 60 CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters. For this money, the buyer gets 140 T-55-GA-714A (20 spare), 72 AN/AAR-57 missile warning system (12 spare) and 284 AN/ARC-231A radios (44 spare).

The contract also includes additional equipment. If all goes according to plan, Boeing will begin delivering the CH-47F Block II Chinook in 2027. All 60 helicopters are to be delivered to Germany by 2033.

The Bundeswehr is buying CH-47Fs as part of the Schwerer Transporthubschrauber (STH) programme for the Luftwaffe. The German Air Force wants to replace 70 Sikorsky CH-53G Stallion helicopters. The Chinook won the competition from the CH-53K King Stallion.

Source: @BMVg_Bundeswehr