US approves foreign military sale of CH-47 pilot training and logistic support to the Netherlands.

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Netherlands of CH-47 Pilot Training and Logistics Support and related equipment for an estimated cost of $125 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on March 16.

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Royal Netherlands Air Force CH-47 Chinook (Picture source: DHC Luchtmacht)

The Government of the Netherlands has requested support for the Royal Netherlands Air Force CH-47 training program, to include fuel; base operating support; facilities; publications and technical documentation; pilot training; personnel training and training equipment; weapon system and software support; U.S. Government and contractor technical, engineering, and logistics personnel services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The total overall estimated value is $125 million.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a NATO ally which is an important force for the political stability and economic progress in Europe.

The proposed sale will improve the Netherlands’ capability to maintain a set of highly trained and deployment-ready Royal Netherlands Air Force Chinook units via continued training activities at Fort Hood, Texas. This training includes the AMERICAN FALCON exercise, which serves as a certifying event for Dutch military units and personnel to deploy abroad, often supporting U.S.-led coalition operations. The Netherlands will have no difficulty absorbing this training and support into its armed forces.