Boeing wins second contract supporting Germany’s CH-47F Chinook Block II heavy transport helicopter program
Seattle, January 21 - Boeing has secured a second major contract from the U.S. Department of War to support Germany's ambitious acquisition of the CH-47F Chinook Block II heavy transport helicopter. Valued at approximately $119 million, this latest agreement focuses on additional production and integration efforts for the program, which is conducted under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) framework. The contract, announced in January 2026, builds on the initial production deal signed in October 2025 and is set for completion by November 2030. This development reinforces Boeing's pivotal role in delivering advanced rotary-wing capabilities to the German Bundeswehr, enhancing transatlantic defense cooperation.
The CH-47F Chinook Block II program for Germany stems from a July 2023 intergovernmental agreement between the United States and the Federal Republic of Germany for up to 60 modernized heavy-lift helicopters. The first contract, worth $876.5 million, initiated full-scale production at Boeing's Ridley Park facility in Pennsylvania, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027 and continue through 2035. Fully funded by Germany, these awards mark significant milestones in replacing the aging CH-53G Sea Stallion fleet, providing the Bundeswehr with superior payload capacity, extended range, and enhanced survivability for demanding missions across NATO operations.
The CH-47F Block II Chinook represents the latest evolution of Boeing's iconic tandem-rotor heavy transport helicopter, featuring a strengthened airframe, upgraded drivetrain, redesigned fuel systems, and advanced avionics. These improvements enable greater lift capabilities, up to 24,000 pounds of cargo, and compatibility with aerial refueling, making it ideal for troop transport, equipment logistics, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief. As Europe's largest economy continues its defense modernization amid evolving security challenges, the Chinook Block II will form the backbone of Germany's heavy transport aviation, operating primarily from bases like Holzdorf and Laupheim under Helicopter Wing 64.
This second contract underscores Boeing's ongoing commitment to the CH-47F Chinook Block II platform, which is also in high demand with the U.S. Army and other international partners. By advancing production and support for Germany's fleet, Boeing strengthens NATO interoperability and ensures the Bundeswehr gains a reliable, future-proof heavy-lift solution capable of meeting high-intensity requirements for decades to come. The program highlights the enduring strength of U.S.-German defense partnerships in delivering cutting-edge aviation technology.