- The 14 state-of-the-art Chinook helicopters provide versatile heavy-lift capability with more than twice the range of a standard Chinook.
- It has been confirmed that the program will bring an estimated £151 million of additional investment into the UK economy.
- The British company will produce parts critical to the manufacture and maintenance of helicopters.
The UK’s heavy-lift capacity will be boosted with the purchase of 14 long-range Chinooks (CH47-ER), pumping an estimated £151m into the UK economy.
The new Chinook will significantly enhance the UK’s strategic mobility through its ability to operate in difficult environments. From the desert to the Arctic, this helicopter has twice the range of a standard Chinook, is capable of air-to-air refueling, and can carry up to 55 people or 10,000 kg of cargo.
With a top speed of 300 kilometers per hour, the new helicopter comes with a range of new features, including an advanced digital cockpit and a modernized airframe for increased stability and survivability.
Defense Secretary Grant Shapps announced the deal would go ahead after meeting with Chinook crews from the Royal Air Force’s existing fleet.
Successful negotiations between the Ministry of Defence’s procurement arm, Defense Equipment and Support, and the US Government have enabled the UK to reduce the cost of elements of the program by more than £300m and provide our armed forces with state-of-the-art heavy equipment. We ensured value for money while providing equipment. lift ability.
Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said:
The procurement of these Chinook helicopters marks a significant milestone in our efforts to modernize and enhance the agility of the UK Armed Forces, enhancing our ability to respond quickly to situations and threats around the world.
The Chinook is one of our most iconic aircraft and has seen service in every major conflict since the Falklands War. Implementing this agreement will not only strengthen our capabilities, but also improve British industry and skills.
The Defense Secretary also visited Poland yesterday to discuss international support for Ukraine, and made a further visit to meet with British troops currently conducting military exercises in Poland.
As part of the deal, British companies will also produce parts essential to the construction and maintenance of the Chinook, supporting jobs in areas such as avionics and power, supporting skills development and the expansion of British industry.
Beyond the Chinook issue, the government’s extensive negotiations with the US have helped to enshrine important reforms into law that will benefit the UK. These laws will increase the speed and predictability of future military procurement from the United States and strengthen shared partnerships like AUKUS through technology sharing.