US Army order for CH-47F Block II aircraft takes total contracted to 18 in rapid fielding effort
One of six CH-47F Block IIs delivered to the US Army conducts a flight test at Redstone Test Center in Huntsville, Alabama. (Photo: Boeing/Studio 51).
Boeing has delivered six Chinook CH-47F Block II production helicopters to the US Army, with the helicopters now undergoing a series of evaluations to demonstrate their enhanced capabilities. The company is working with the army on a path forward for Lot 6.
The US Army has placed contracts for an additional nine Boeing CH-47F Block II Chinook heavy-lift helicopters under a deal for Lot 4 and 5 awards worth US$461 million.
This follows the decision late last month to advance the Rapid Fielding Effort for Chinook Block II which authorises the procurement of Block II aircraft in FY25 and FY26.
Alongside previously approved Congressionally directed procurements, the army will field CH-47F Block II helicopters to two Combat Aviation Brigades, modernising the Army’s heavy-lift fleet for future large-scale combat operations.
The CH-47F Block II aircraft are upgraded from the CH-47F Block I, featuring significant
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![E-3 Sentry encryption equipment no longer meets US security requirements, says USAF]()
E-3 Sentry encryption equipment no longer meets US security requirements, says USAF
The US Air Force says the Sentry fleet’s DAR-400 encryptor can no longer keep pace with changing security requirements and warns that a failure could affect US operations and data security.
-
![Spain air focus: Mature UAV market rewards early supplier engagement]()
Spain air focus: Mature UAV market rewards early supplier engagement
Spain accounts for 5% of European military UAV spending, broadly in line with its share of the continent’s wider defence market. What sets the country apart, however, is how much of that spending has already been committed, reflecting Spain's earlier adoption of the capability.
-
![Rafale AI trials highlight shift towards operational fighter testbeds]()
Rafale AI trials highlight shift towards operational fighter testbeds
Dassault’s latest Rafale trials join Gripen E and F-16 testing as developers explore how artificial intelligence could support and control combat aircraft.
-
![AFA 2026: US Air Force examines uncrewed cargo aircraft for contested logistics]()
AFA 2026: US Air Force examines uncrewed cargo aircraft for contested logistics
The US Air Force is evaluating demonstrators for uncrewed cargo missions as it considers logistics requirements across the Pacific and other contested environments.
