Berlin has announced more details relating to its acquisition of 60 CH-47F Block II Chinook heavy-lift tactical transport helicopters as the nation pushes forward with plans to replace the Luftwaffe’s (German Air Force’s) ageing CH-53G Sea Stallion fleet.
According to the newly released details, approximately 50 of the Luftwaffe’s new CH-47F Block IIs will be stationed at Holzdorf Air Base (AB), which is located at Schönewalde in eastern Germany. When delivered, the helicopters will likely equip the base’s resident CH-53G unit, Hubschraubergeschwader 64 (HSG 64; Helicopter Wing 64), which is currently split between Holzdorf and Laupheim AB in southern Germany. Lt Gen Ingo Gerhartz, the incumbent Chief of the Luftwaffe, said that the acquisition of a 60-strong Chinook fleet means that the air arm “will be the second largest helicopter nation in NATO after the US.”
The US State Department approved the possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of 60 CH-47F Block IIs to the German government for an estimated cost of $8.5bn in May 2023. The approved package will include T-55-GA-714A turboshaft engines; AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems; AN/ARC-231A security radios, as well as other related equipment and logistics/training support services. The Chinooks will also boast an air-to-air refuelling capability.
German lawmakers approved the proposed deal in July. In total, this deal is reported to cost at least €7.2bn ($7.9bn) or as high as €8bn ($8.7bn), which includes €6.27bn ($6.9bn) for the helicopters alone, with more than €700m ($768m) for service-related expenses and necessary infrastructure. First deliveries are expected to take place in 2026 (though some reports suggest it could occur in 2027), with deliveries continuing until 2036.
