ARMED FORCES: Clear the way for the heavy transport helicopter

Yesterday, on behalf of the Federal Republic of Germany, the President of the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Use of the German Armed Forces (BAAINBw), Annette Lehnigk-Emden, signed the so-called Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for the procurement of the CH-47 F "Chinook" in the "Heavy Transport Helicopter" project.

The procurement takes place at the government level between the German Federal Government and the US Administration in the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) procedure. This authorizes the US Government - in this case, represented by the US Army - to conclude a corresponding contract with the manufacturer Boing for the procurement of 60 CH-47F "Chinook" helicopters for Germany.

Less than a week ago, the Budget Committee of the German Bundestag gave the green light for this procurement. The German Armed Forces will receive the latest "Block II Standard Range" version with air refueling capability. The total order volume in this FMS procedure amounts to around 6.98 billion euros, financed from the Bundeswehr's special fund.

The helicopters are intended to gradually replace the aging CH-53G fleet in the German Armed Forces as a "workhorse" for the air transport of vehicles, materials, and personnel. The delivery of the new aircraft is planned for the period from 2027 to 2033.

The German Armed Forces will fly a proven, globally used, modern, and future-oriented helicopter model with the CH-47F, of which more than 500 units are already in operation with partners and allies. The procurement of the helicopter will facilitate and strengthen international cooperation. Furthermore, the troops will be able to fulfill further tasks with these helicopters, including the armed rescue and extraction of isolated personnel, such as downed aircraft crews. More information about the CH-47F.

GERMAN ARMED FORCES online