The UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed that it intends to make a second purchase of Chinook helicopters to maintain the Armed Forces’ heavy airlift capability beyond 2040.
According to a report by the UK Defence Journal, deliveries of the new aircraft are expected to begin in the mid-2030s, replacing older models in the fleet.
According to the British government, the programme, called the Chinook Capability Sustainment Programme Tranche 2, forms part of long-term planning to ensure a permanent heavy-lift capability. Initial operational capability is expected to be achieved by the end of the 2030s, while fleet support is set to continue until at least 2060.
The ministry also stated that the country will continue to require both medium-lift and heavy-lift helicopters, although it acknowledged that there will be a temporary reduction in this capability during the process of replacing the oldest aircraft.
The announcement complements the programme already under way to acquire 14 H-47(ER) Chinooks, a longer-range version of the aircraft. Together, the projects aim to ensure that the Chinook remains the British Armed Forces’ main heavy-lift platform for decades to come.
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