Seoul approves plan to purchase new Chinooks
South Korea’s military needs to replace older Chinook helicopters like this CH-47D, and the solution will be new CH-47Fs from Boeing. (Photo: Gordon Arthur)
South Korea has given a green light to buy new Chinooks, while KAI prepares to start series production of the LAH and researches a new high-speed helicopter design.
On 15 July, the Defense Project Promotion Committee in South Korea endorsed a plan to procure new Boeing CH-47F Chinook helicopters to replace older Chinooks already in service.
The future purchase, anticipated to cost KRW1.4 trillion ($1.06 billion), will fall under the Heavy-lift Helicopter-II programme.
Once an order is eventually lodged, the new CH-47Fs are expected to be delivered by 2028. South Korean defence officials mentioned no numbers, but Shephard previously reported that up to 22 CH-47Fs are required.
Of these, ten could be MH-47 special operations variants.
The Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) already operates a fleet of 43
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
-
![How geopolitics and new military alliances are disrupting combat aircraft procurement]()
How geopolitics and new military alliances are disrupting combat aircraft procurement
Selection of fighter aircraft by national governments has always been political. As markets and allegiances shift against a background of global realignment, who will be the winners and losers as new entrants compete with established suppliers?
-
![Singapore’s interest in GCAP reflects its long-term approach to air power]()
Singapore’s interest in GCAP reflects its long-term approach to air power
A potential interest in joining GCAP is indicative of Singapore’s long-term and methodical approach to defence procurement and could benefit its local defence industry.
-
![US military tests AI-powered CUAS turret against drone swarms]()
US military tests AI-powered CUAS turret against drone swarms
As the US continues to invest heavily in counter-drone systems, demand for low-cost, mobile and autonomous technologies is on the rise, with Edda designed to align with these emerging requirements.
-
![August crewed air review: KC-390 momentum builds as demand in the tanker market grows]()
August crewed air review: KC-390 momentum builds as demand in the tanker market grows
The KC-390 is building a growing international operator base, but competition in the transport and tanker market is increasingly likely to depend on interoperability, commonality and the strength of supporting ecosystems. Meanwhile, Boeing’s KC-46 and Airbus’s A330 also gained ground in August.
-
![Iran war exposes the limits of US military mass]()
Iran war exposes the limits of US military mass
As the Straits of Hormuz continue to witness military action of various types, what does this mean for combat air and air defence planners in the region and beyond?
