The UK is to review plans to buy 14 new H-47 ER Chinooks to augment its existing fleet of older model helicopters (pictured). (Janes/Patrick Allen)
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is to review its plan to acquire new Boeing H-47 Extended Range (ER) Chinook helicopters later in the first quarter (Q1) of 2024, ahead of any decision on final numbers.
Minister of State at the MoD James Cartlidge made the disclosure on 15 February, telling the House of Commons, “The Review Note for the Chinook extended range helicopter programme is due to be assessed by the MoD Investment Approvals Committee in quarter 1 2024, and will inform any future decisions affecting the current programme of record.”
Cartlidge added that as the assessed costs and schedule for the programme are currently under consideration, he would not disclose the figures and programme timelines until a full review has taken place.
The MoD announced in May 2021 that it was to buy 14 H-47 (ER) Chinooks that are to be broadly analogous with the MH-47G helicopters flown by US Special Operations Command. These new helicopters will partially replace older machines in Royal Air Force (RAF) service, at the same time providing the UK with a bespoke special operations forces (SOF) capability.
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