Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • DE&S procures 14 extended-range Chinooks

Defence

DE&S procures 14 extended-range Chinooks

The UK’s heavy-lift helicopter capability will be bolstered by the purchase by DE&S of 14 extended-range Chinooks H-47(ER), which will pump an estimated £151 million into the economy.

Image courtesy DE&S

The new helicopters will significantly enhance the UK’s strategic mobility with their ability to operate in challenging environments. From the desert to the arctic, the helicopter has double the range of a standard Boeing Chinook and is capable of air-to-air refuelling, with the ability to carry up to 55 personnel or 10,000 kg of cargo.

Advertisement
Teledyne

With a top speed of 300kph, they will have new capabilities including an advanced digital cockpit and a modernised airframe to increase stability and survivability.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps announced the commitment to proceed with the Foreign Military Sale contract after meeting crew members from the Royal Air Force’s existing Chinook fleet.

Through successful negotiations by DE&S and Army Capability with the US Government, the UK has reduced costs for elements of the programme by more than £300 million, ensuring value for money while providing our armed forces with a cutting-edge capability.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Procuring these Chinook helicopters will mark a significant milestone in our efforts to modernise and enhance the agility of the UK Armed Forces, cementing our ability to respond at pace to situations and threats across the globe.

“The Chinook is one of our most iconic aircraft, having been operated in every major conflict since the Falklands War. Delivering on this deal not only enhances our capability, but will boost UK industry and skills.”

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

As part of the deal, UK companies will also produce components critical for manufacturing and maintaining the helicopters, providing jobs in areas such as aircraft avionics and electric power, supporting skills development and wider UK industry.

Keith Bethell, DE&S Director Helicopters, said: “Our Chinook Delivery Team has worked closely with our US allies and Army customer on this crucial procurement.

“We now look forward to pushing ahead and delivering this outstanding heavy-lift capability for UK Armed Forces.”

Beyond the Chinook, the Government’s extensive negotiations with US has helped to enshrine critical reforms into law that will benefit the UK. These laws will increase the speed and predictability of military procurement from the US going forward and will strengthen shared partnerships like AUKUS through technology sharing.

Advertisement
Cranfield University
MoD campaign highlights impact of public interruption to military training

Defence

MoD campaign highlights impact of public interruption to military training

18 July 2025

Soldiers sprinting through a salon, abseiling into gyms and crawling through offices feature in a striking new campaign by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), turning the tables on the issue of public interruptions to military training exercises.

UAS launched munitions set to combat air and ground targets

Defence

UAS launched munitions set to combat air and ground targets

18 July 2025

For the first time, BAE Systems has launched a precision munition from a multi-rotor Uncrewed Air System (UAS) and successfully destroyed both air and ground targets during trials in the US.

UK

Defence

UK's combat air flying demonstrator revealed

17 July 2025

Industry partners, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and MBDA UK, together with the Ministry of Defence (MoD), have revealed the design of the UK’s flagship Combat Air Flying Demonstrator, as the aircraft reaches a major milestone, with two thirds of its structural weight now in manufacturing.

Scottish defence dividend investment launched

Defence

Scottish defence dividend investment launched

16 July 2025

Scottish Secretary and Minister for Defence Procurement & Industry have visited HMNB Clyde to launch the multidecade, multibillion-pound Clyde 2070 programme.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025
Captec to showcase next-gen computing at DSEI

Defence Events

Captec to showcase next-gen computing at DSEI

16 July 2025

As the defence landscape continues to evolve at pace, with technological advances reshaping mission requirements and placing increasing demands on deployed computing systems, computing specialist Captec will be showcasing next-generation computing platforms at DSEI 2025 (9th–12th September 2025, Excel London).

SkyShark takes flight

Defence Security

SkyShark takes flight

16 July 2025

MGI Engineering, a company forged in the fast-paced world of Formula 1, has officially unveiled SkyShark, a next-generation military drone platform designed to transform battlefield operations with speed, precision and UK-built sovereignty.

Advertisement
ODU RT