Boeing has secured a $793 million contract as part of the U.S. Department of Defense FMS to produce 18 CH-47F Block I Chinook helicopters for South Korea and 1 for Spain.
Boeing has secured a contract as part of the U.S. Department of Defense Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to produce 18 CH-47F Block I Chinook helicopters for South Korea and an additional aircraft for Spain. This contract, valued at up to $793 million, represents the final aircraft to be ordered on the current CH-47F Block I FMS contract with the U.S. government. The deal highlights the continued global demand for the CH-47F Block I Chinook, renowned as the preeminent heavy-lift helicopter.
Although production and deliveries of the CH-47F Block I will conclude with this order in 2027, Boeing’s modernization efforts will continue with the ongoing H-47 Block II program. Block II enhancements include an improved drivetrain, a reinforced airframe, and redesigned fuel tanks, resulting in increased lift and range. Currently, six Block II aircraft are under contract with the U.S. Army, 36 with U.S. Army Special Operations Command (SOCOM), and 14 with the United Kingdom. SOCOM has been receiving Block II aircraft for several years, and the U.S. Army is scheduled to receive its first CH-47F Block II in early 2024.
Heather McBryan, H-47 Vice President and Program Manager, Boeing Vertical Lift, said, “The CH-47F Block I Chinook continues to be the preeminent heavy-lift helicopter in the world for good reason. While this concludes Block I orders as we continue our modernization efforts, we’ll continue supporting our customers’ aircraft as they play a vital role for years to come. The Block II program is the natural successor to an already exceptional aircraft. It will provide the U.S. Army and international allies even more capabilities in a complex and evolving battlefield.”
The acquisition of Chinook Block I aircraft by Spain and South Korea reflects the global recognition of the modernized CH-47F Chinook’s value. With this latest purchase, Spain will increase its fleet to 18 aircraft, while South Korea will join 15 other operators benefiting from the aircraft’s digital cockpit and advanced cargo handling ability.
Vince Logsdon, Vice President of Global Business Development and Strategic Marketing, Boeing Defense, Space & Security, said, “South Korea adds to a growing list of operators around the globe that recognize the value the modernized CH-47F Chinook brings to the table. While Spain is already reaping the benefits of the aircraft in Europe, we are honored to support South Korea’s heavy-lift helicopter modernization with a versatile product capable of meeting the demanding mission requirements in the Asia Pacific region.”
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The CH-47F Chinook’s legacy of excellence and its ongoing modernization efforts position it as a critical asset for military forces worldwide. The combination of the Block I and Block II aircraft will provide enhanced capabilities in the heavy-lift space, meeting the diverse operational needs of customers across the globe.
