LONDON – The U.S. Army has awarded Boeing a contract to produce 12 new CH-47F Chinooks for the Egyptian Air Force. The new ‘F’ variant will replaced Egypt’s aging fleet of CH-47D Chinooks, with deliveries anticipated to commence in 2026.
With this $426 million foreign military sale, Egypt will replace its fleet of CH-47D aircraft with the modern F model, and benefit from its advanced multi-mission capabilities.
“The F-model aircraft will enhance Egypt’s Chinook capabilities and help effectively accomplish its heavy-lift objectives,” said Ken Eland, vice president and H-47 program manager.
“Boeing’s partnership with the Egyptian Air Force remains strong as we continue to work together to modernize their fleet.”
About the CH-47F Chinook
The CH-47F is an advanced multi-mission helicopter for the U.S. Army and international defense forces.
It contains a fully integrated, digital cockpit management system, Common Avionics Architecture System cockpit and advanced cargo-handling capabilities complementing the aircraft’s mission performance and handling characteristics.
“Boeing is committed to supporting the defense modernization mission of the Egyptian armed forces and ensuring the best capability for Egypt’s national defense and security,” added Vince Logsdon, vice president, Boeing International Business Development.
Recent CH-47F acquisitions
With the iconic Chinook helicopter seeing long-term service with a number of global Air Forces, the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) has recently undertaken a similar fleet modernization program – replacing their ‘D’ model variant with the newer ‘F’ model.
In November 2022, the RNLAF took delivery of the 20th CH-47F Chinook; effectively completing their fleet modernization program.
The Netherlands is one of eight NATO countries to operate the Chinook and has fielded the aircraft continuously since receiving its first CH-47D models in 1995.
In 2016, the RNLAF purchased 14 new CH-47F Chinooks through the U.S. Department of Defense’s Foreign Military Sales program.
In 2017, the RNLAF signed an agreement to upgrade their remaining six D-model Chinook helicopters to the latest F-model configuration, ensuring commonality of systems for their entire 20-aircraft fleet.
Speaking of the upgrade at the time, LTC Wil van Rijn, senior system integrator of the Chinook, Dutch Ministry of Defence referred to the superior equipment upgrade afforded by the acquisition of the ‘F’ variant, saying:
“This is a milestone for us. We have newer radios and newer equipment which help our pilots operate better in different environments than we do already.”
In October 2022, the US Army acquired two additional Chinook CH-47F Block II variants. The Block II is powered by cutting-edge technologies — including redesigned fuel tanks, a strengthened fuselage and an enhanced drivetrain.
Boeing’s H-47 Chinook Block II expands upon 60 years of partnership with the U.S. Army. During that time, Boeing has delivered over 1,000 Chinooks to the U.S. Army, continuously modernizing the helicopter to meet evolving needs.
The U.S. Army and 19 allied countries around the globe rely on the Chinook for its multi-mission capabilities including equipment and troop transport, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
“Team Chinook” is led by the U.S. Army, who with 19 allied international customers, collectively operate a fleet of more than 950 aircraft.
