Boeing has received two U.S. Army contracts worth $461 million to produce nine additional CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters under Lots 4 and 5 in support of the service’s heavy-lift modernization efforts.
The company said Tuesday the awards bring the total number of Chinooks under contract to 18 aircraft.
In December 2024, the aerospace and defense contractor secured a $135 million contract from the Army to build and deliver three more CH-47F Block II Chinooks to the military branch under the Lot 3 order.
Why Is the CH-47F Chinook Important for the Army?
“The rapid succession of contracts indicates that the Chinook will continue to play an important role in the U.S. Army’s family-of-systems, particularly in a contested logistics environment,” said Heather McBryan, vice president and program manager of Cargo Programs at Boeing’s defense, space and security business. “We value our partnership with the Army and the support from Congress as we deliver this modernized capability to the warfighter.”
The latest awards follow the Army’s Rapid Fielding production decision, which authorizes the procurement of Chinook Block II aircraft in fiscal years 2025 and 2026. The Army plans to deploy CH-47F Block II helicopters to two combat brigades, modernizing the service’s heavy-lift fleet for future combat operations.
What Upgrades Does the CH-47F Block II Helicopter Feature?
According to Boeing, the Lot 4 and 5 helicopters will join six CH-47F Block II aircraft that have already been delivered, which are undergoing assessments to demonstrate their improved capabilities.
The CH-47F Block II features an improved drivetrain and airframe that increase maximum gross weight by 4,000 pounds. Fuel system improvements, improved sustainment and other enhancements are designed to keep the aircraft operational for at least the next four decades.
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