UK Delays New Chinook Purchase Until 2030 Strategic Defence Review
The UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the contract for the next tranche of Chinook helicopters will be committed through the Strategic Defence Review 2030 (SDR30). Defence Minister Lord Coaker stated in a written answer that deliveries of new Chinook aircraft are expected to begin in the mid-2030s, with Initial Operating Capability in the latter part of the decade and fleet sustainment through at least 2060. This Tranche 2 of the Chinook Capability Sustainment Programme will replace legacy Mk6A airframes and maintain heavy lift capability beyond 2040. The final quantity and delivery profile will be determined by future approvals based on threat assessments and technological changes. Meanwhile, the retirement of older Chinook Mk6A airframes will create a temporary reduction in heavy lift capacity before Tranche 2 deliveries arrive, a gap the department acknowledges as planned for. This decision follows the previously approved Tranche 1 procurement of 14 H-47 Extended Range aircraft due from 2027.
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