Boeing CH-47D Chinook (Photo: Boeing)
The Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) has accredited Boeing with a phase maintenance contract to provide the CH-47D Chinook fleet with regular scheduled inspections and maintenance. The company has a MAR-145 accreditation also for the AH-64D Apache helicopter and is providing the RNLAF with this service since 2016.
An in-country maintenance organisation of Boeing employees in coordination with the RNLAF teamwork on phase maintenance on regularly scheduled tip-to-tail inspection that covers components and tubing, airframe, engines and rotor blades. The team also work on all other rotor- and fixed-wing aircraft types within the RNLAF.
Boeing will work under a Flexible Capacity direct commercial sale contract to support the modernised CH-47F Chinook, of which four are already in operation, and the AH-64E Apache with delivery expected in 2023.
Moreover, a MAR-145 accreditation, product of the European Military Airworthiness Requirements, in one country will provide opportunities for other maintenance organisations within Europe.
The Pentagon has sent an amendment to the Office of Management and Budget, according to Pete Hegseth, including funds for the procurement of E-7 Wedgetails in FY2027.
As Europe confronts its most unstable security environment since the Cold War, defence planners recognise that advanced, dependable and flexible Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) are central to a force that competes and prevails on today’s battlefield.
The country could be on the cusp of finalising an historic deal with Saab for up to 150 aircraft, with Belgium also increasing its number of donated F-16 aircraft to 53 with refreshed delivery timelines.
The USAF intends to conduct the second phase of the DRAGON programme from FY2026 to FY2030, while the future of the E3 replacement remains unknown.
Indonesia’s purchase of 12 drones with options for an additional 48 is the third deal in as many years between Indonesian and Turkish defence industries, bolstering the former’s plans to strengthen its own domestic production and defence industry.
The Brazilian Army is forecast to spend $279.15 million on UAVs from 2026, exceeding the Brazilian Navy’s $227.51 million forecast spend, although the naval force was an earlier adopter of the capability.
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