Boeing has secured a contract as part of the U.S. Department of Defense Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to produce 18 CH-47F Block I Chinook helicopters for South Korea and an additional aircraft for Spain. This contract, valued at up to $793 million, represents the final aircraft to be ordered on the current CH-47F Block I FMS contract with the U.S. government. The deal highlights the continued global demand for the CH-47F Block I Chinook, renowned as the preeminent heavy-lift helicopter.
Although production and deliveries of the CH-47F Block I will conclude with this order in 2027, Boeing’s modernization efforts will continue with the ongoing H-47 Block II program. Block II enhancements include an improved drivetrain, a reinforced airframe, and redesigned fuel tanks, resulting in increased lift and range. Currently, six Block II aircraft are under contract with the U.S. Army, 36 with U.S. Army Special Operations Command (SOCOM), and 14 with the United Kingdom. SOCOM has been receiving Block II aircraft for several years, and the U.S. Army is scheduled to receive its first CH-47F Block II in early 2024.