French special forces may get CH-47 Chinook helicopters.

In a paragraph devoted to the presence of two heavy British CH-47 Chinook helicopters in the July 14 parade, the Special Operations Command (COS) press kit says that "the Air Force is currently studying its acquisition for the French special forces". The device, says the press kit, "would usefully complement the range of current helicopters" such as Caracal or NH-90.

CH-47 Chinook helicopter takes off with a Humvee sling-load (Picture source: US Air Force)

The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is an American twin-engined, tandem rotor, heavy-lift helicopter developed by American rotorcraft company Vertol and manufactured by Boeing Vertol (later known as Boeing Rotorcraft Systems).

The Chinook is a multi-role, vertical-lift platform, which is used for transporting troops, artillery, equipment and fuel It is also used for humanitarian and disaster relief operations and in missions such as transportation of relief supplies and mass evacuation of refugees.

Chinooks serve the armed forces of 19 countries around the world.