Australia confirms impending delivery of final two CH-47F Chinook helicopters

 

One of the CH-47F Chinook helicopters of the Australian Army. Photo c/o Australian Army.

The Australian Department of Defence (DoD) has confirmed that it is expecting the delivery of two additional Boeing CH-47F Chinook heavy lift helicopters from the United States, as part of an expedited sale for 4 new helicopters by the US Government in 2021.

This delivery is part of a program worth A$595 million that aims to improve the capabilities of the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) heavy lift battlefield aviation capabilities.

The first 2 helicopters were delivered in July 2021, and the last 2 helicopters are expected to arrive by mid-2022.

The introduction of additional helicopters will provide the ADF with additional lift capability, as well as strengthen the Australian Army’s ability to support operations globally.

The Australian Army Aviation Command already operates 12 CH-47F Chinook helicopters operated by its C Squadron, 5th Aviation Regiment based in Townsville, Queensland.

Australian Minister for Defence Industry, Hon. Pat Conroy MP, said that the Chinook have been instrumental in recent peacetime and humanitarian missions including Operation Bushfire Assist in 2019-2020, Operation Tonga Assist in 2022, and Operation Queensland / New South Wales Flood Assist in 2022.

Aside from the procurement of additional helicopters, the Australian defense industry will be playing a key role in supporting the Chinook fleet, with investments to the Australian economy by around A$69.5 million over the next 20 years.

[1] Australian Department of Defence

[2] Army Technology