Germany is set to receive its complete CH-47F fleet within the next eight years. The German Ministry of Defense announced the acquisition of the CH-47F Chinook for 5.2 billion euros on June 1, 2022. These heavy-lift helicopters are intended to replace the aging fleet of CH-53G helicopters, which are nearing 50 years of service. The German Air Force expects to receive its first Boeing CH-47F Block II helicopter in 2027, with all 60 aircraft to be delivered by 2032.
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The CH-47F Chinook, a highly advanced model of the CH-47 series, first entered production in the early 2000s with its initial entry into service in 2007 (Picture source: Boeing)
The helicopters, purchased for 7 billion euros, will replace the CH-53s that have been in service for nearly half a century and are set to retire in 2030. These acquisitions are part of a special 100 billion euro defense fund established after the onset of the war in Ukraine to overhaul the country's defense equipment, including F-35 aircraft and Arrow missile defense systems.
The CH-47Fs will be based at air bases in Manching, Laupheim, and Altenstadt in the south of the country, as well as Schönewalde, which will serve as the main base with three squadrons, and Celle. Laupheim, which will house 12 aircraft, and Schönewalde will feature training facilities and undergo significant modifications to accommodate the helicopters and capabilities, with 500 million euros invested in the latter.
The first two helicopters will remain in the US for certification and validation, and the third aircraft will be the first to arrive in Germany, between September and November 2027. FMS support will accompany the aircraft until the end of 2030, after which full manufacturer maintenance will take over.
The aircraft will be equipped with a specific suite of equipment, including the Common Infrared Countermeasure (CIRCM) system, infrared suppression, rotor brake, rescue winch, ice detector, ballistic protection, aero-medical equipment, and Link 16 communication equipment.
At the Defence iQ’s International Military Helicopter conference on February 28, Colonel Christian Guntsch, advisor to the air chief for CH-47F at the German Air Force Headquarters, emphasized that specifically German equipment would include communications for civil operations, medical evacuation, and Link 16 communications.
Given the wide array of Chinook operators, particularly NATO operators, there are opportunities for cooperation in operations, training, and also for spare parts and maintenance.
The CH-47F Chinook, a highly advanced model of the CH-47 series, first entered production in the early 2000s with its initial entry into service in 2007. Developed by Boeing for the United States Army and other defense forces worldwide, it is a twin-engine, tandem-rotor heavy-lift helicopter. Designed for troop movement, artillery placement, and battlefield resupply, the CH-47F features significant upgrades over its predecessors, including an advanced cockpit management system, improved avionics, and an enhanced airframe for greater survivability. It boasts a top speed of 175 mph (282 km/h) and a maximum lift capacity of more than 21,000 pounds (9,525 kg), making it one of the most capable heavy-lift helicopters in operation today.
