Australia receives first 2 of 4 new CH-47F Chinook heavy lift helicopters
One of the new CH-47F Chinook for the Australian Army, being unloaded from a USAF C-5 Galaxy heavy strategic airlifter. Photo c/o Australia DOD. |
The Australian Army has received its first two new CH-47F Chinook heavy lift helicopters, part of an order for four new helicopters to improve the force's heavy lift battlefield aviation capabilities.
The two new helicopters arrived on 07 July 2021 at Townsville in Queensland, only three months after approving the acquisition.
The new helicopters were delivered by a US Air Force C-5 Galaxy strategic airlift aircraft.
Two more CH-47F Chinooks are expected to arrive in Australia by mid 2022.
The four new helicopters, expected to cost around A$595 million (US445 million), will increase the Australian Army's CH-47 Chinook fleet, their largest helicopter, from 10 to 14 aircraft.
Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton welcomed the arrival of the new helicopters, which were assigned with the 5th Aviation Regiment.
“The additional helicopters will strengthen Army’s airlift capability into the future and increase the ADF’s ability to support operations globally,” Mr Dutton said.
Mr Dutton said being delivered just days before the beginning of Exercise Talisman Sabre - the largest bilateral combined training activity between the ADF and US military - highlighted the countries' excellent strategic working relationship.
[1] Australian Department of Defence
Australia receives first 2 of 4 new CH-47F Chinook heavy lift helicopters
Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal
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July 10, 2021
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