US Army orders more Boeing CH-47 Block IIs
Boeing says the upgraded configuration allows for increased lift and range of the aircraft. (Photo: Boeing)
Valued at $135 million, the Lot 3 contract is part of the US Army’s ongoing modernisation efforts.
The US Army has ordered three more Boeing CH-47 Block II Chinooks as part of its ongoing efforts to modernise. The Lot 3 contract award, at US$135 million, follows the US Army’s announcement that it would move forwards with the production of the CH-47 Block II programme in February 2024.
“It is critical soldiers get to their destinations and have the equipment they need to accomplish the mission,” said Heather McBryan, VP and programme manager for cargo programmes at Boeing.
“The CH-47F Block II’s increased payload capacity and expanded range enables the US Army to meet evolving heavy-lift mission requirements around the world.”
Related Articles
Boeing receives $22.5 million contract for CH-47 Chinook long lead items
Boeing lines up helicopter deals and delivers first US Army CH-47F Block II
US Army Special Operations orders two more Chinooks
The first Block II helicopter was delivered in June 2024, with the second following in September. According to Boeing, the manufacturer is under contract for nine of up to 465 aircraft in the US Army’s current fleet.
The army also received funding for three aircraft as part of the next production lot and awarded Boeing a contract modification for long-lead components in December 2023.
The Boeing CH-47 Chinook, a twin-engine, tandem-rotor heavy-lift transport helicopter, has served as a workhorse on military and civilian operations since its debut.
The CH-47F Block II configuration has an additional 2,000kg to the aircraft weight, increasing its life capacity. It also has extended range due to improvements on its fuel system. It is anticipated that the Block II upgrade will allow the aircraft to continue in service for another 40 years.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Saab’s GlobalEye gains ground as Canada’s aircraft procurement tilts towards Europe]()
Saab’s GlobalEye gains ground as Canada’s aircraft procurement tilts towards Europe
Canada’s interest in negotiating a procurement of Saab’s GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft signals its readiness to reduce its reliance on US defence technology as trade tensions with its North American neighbour mount.
-
![US Air Force CCA programme to achieve multiple milestones in the coming months]()
US Air Force CCA programme to achieve multiple milestones in the coming months
The US Air Force is preparing to select mission-autonomy software, fire a missile from the FQ-42 Vengeance and test both CCA designs alongside crewed fighters at 2026 Emerald Flag.
-
![South American EW demand balances capability against cost]()
South American EW demand balances capability against cost
South American air forces are weighing advanced electronic warfare capabilities against limited budgets as Peru selects Viper Shield and BAE Systems targets smaller airborne platforms.
-
![Will the US Navy F/A-XX and the USAF F-47 compete for production capacities?]()
Will the US Navy F/A-XX and the USAF F-47 compete for production capacities?
The two sixth-generation fighter programmes could battle for engineering talent and production lines before deliveries begin, testing Boeing’s industrial expansion plans.
-
![September drone digest: attrition-tolerant aircraft pitched to replace the Reaper]()
September drone digest: attrition-tolerant aircraft pitched to replace the Reaper
The loss of many MQ-9 Reapers during the 2026 Iran War has underscored the risks of sending relatively expensive UAVs into contested airspace. In September, new contenders to replace the Reaper emerged, championing cheaper, modular aircraft designs for mass production and inevitable attrition.
