Breaking News: UK Confirms Start of New Chinook CH47ER Helicopter Production in U.S. with First Delivery in 2027.

Following a British parliamentary question from MP Blake Stephenson, British Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle announced on May 13, 2025, that construction of the first two CH-47(ER) Chinook helicopters has commenced at Boeing’s manufacturing facility in Philadelphia, United States. The announcement marks a significant milestone in the UK’s procurement of 14 extended-range Chinooks, with the first aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2027.
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 A British Royal Air Force CH-47 Chinook helicopter in flight. The United States has officially begun production of the new extended-range Chinook CH-47ER variant for the UK, with the first delivery expected in 2027. (Picture source: UK MoD)

The CH-47(ER) variant, known as the Extended Range model, is a highly advanced configuration of Boeing’s iconic CH-47 Chinook helicopter, specifically tailored to meet the demanding operational needs of the British Royal Air Force (RAF). Designed to support both conventional military operations and complex special forces missions, this new generation of Chinook offers significantly improved range, endurance, and performance over previous models. With a total program cost of approximately £2 billion, this procurement not only modernizes the UK’s heavy-lift helicopter fleet but also reinforces its global force projection capabilities. The aircraft’s ability to deploy troops and equipment swiftly and over greater distances is essential for future UK defense operations in increasingly unpredictable and dispersed conflict zones.

Several notable enhancements define the CH-47(ER). Its air-to-air refueling capability nearly doubles its operational range, providing unparalleled flexibility for long-range missions. The helicopter can carry up to 55 troops or 10,000 kg of cargo, making it a vital asset for both battlefield logistics and strategic lift. A fully digital cockpit and NATO-interoperable mission systems improve pilot situational awareness and coordination during joint operations. Furthermore, reinforced structural modifications enhance survivability and reliability across a broad spectrum of environments, from the extreme cold of arctic regions to the harsh conditions of desert deployments.

This latest variant builds upon the Chinook’s long and respected service history with the British Armed Forces. The RAF first introduced the Chinook in 1980 with the HC1 model to replace earlier heavy-lift solutions. Over the past four decades, the aircraft has become a cornerstone of British military aviation, proving indispensable in missions ranging from the Falklands War to recent operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Mali. Its unique tandem rotor design, powerful twin engines, and exceptional versatility have enabled it to operate in hostile environments, perform medical evacuations, resupply remote forward operating bases, and extract troops under fire.

Throughout its service life, the Chinook has seen a series of upgrades, transitioning through variants such as the HC2, HC3, HC4, and more recently, the HC6, which introduced advanced avionics and safety features. However, the CH-47(ER) now represents the most significant technological advancement in the platform’s history for the UK. It ensures the RAF can continue to meet modern operational demands, especially as global threats become more dispersed and require rapid deployment capabilities.

For the British Armed Forces, maintaining a modern and highly capable heavy-lift helicopter fleet is a strategic necessity. As the UK reinforces its role in NATO and responds to evolving global security challenges, having a reliable platform like the Chinook is critical. It enables quick reaction to crises, supports multinational operations, and ensures logistical support in complex theaters. The new CH-47(ER Extended Range) will further strengthen the UK's ability to project power, provide humanitarian assistance, and operate autonomously or in coalition environments.

With the first aircraft expected in 2027, the CH-47(ER) will anchor the future of British military air mobility. Its integration will not only preserve but significantly elevate the UK's capacity to respond to emergencies, wage expeditionary warfare, and uphold national defense objectives across the globe.