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The UK Ministry of Defence has said that the purchase of an additional 14 extended-range Chinooks will enhance Britain’s ability to respond to global emergencies.
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Defence confirmed that British companies would be responsible for manufacturing critical components for the helicopters, with the purchase bringing £151 million of investment into the British economy.
The Ministry of Defence claimed that through successful engagements with their US counterparts, they reduced costs for the program by £300 million.
The extra capacity will be able to carry up to 55 personnel or 10,000 kilograms of cargo in different terrain, including the desert and arctic.
New CH47-ER Chinooks boast a top speed of 300 kilometres per hour integrated with new capabilities, including a digital cockpit and new airframe, increasing stability and survivability.
“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,” UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said.
“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.”
The announcement comes months after the Ministry of Defence awarded a contract for next-generation Challenger 3 modular armour.
Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land had secured the contract with the UK Ministry of Defence for delivery of a new modular armour system for the Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank.
The Land Industry Strategy contract, announced by MOD joint-defence trading entity Defence Equipment & Support, will cover the testing, manufacture, and integration of the new armour onto the Challenger 3 tanks after initial integration trials were conducted last year.
The new modular armour is expected to provide enhanced survivability and enhanced protection for the Challenger 3 as a key component of the Army’s Future Armoured Brigade Combat Teams and the UK’s contribution to NATO deterrence.
“This contract signature is great news and another step forward in the delivery of the Army’s next MBT capability,” according to Colonel Will Waugh, Army Armour Programme senior responsible owner.
“The conflict in Ukraine has provided a timely reminder of the threat posed by Russia’s MBTs and other weapon systems.
“This armour is a world-class sovereign capability that will provide a step change in protecting our soldiers and the survivability of Challenger 3.”
The Challenger 3 program will not only deliver a main battle tank, but it will also regenerate critical industrial capability in the UK.
