UK's New Chinook Purchase Delayed Until 2030 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. 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. The procurement, known as Chinook Capability Sustainment Programme Tranche 2, will replace legacy Chinook aircraft and sustain heavy lift capability beyond 2040. This is separate from the previously approved Tranche 1 purchase of 14 H-47 Extended Range aircraft arriving from 2027. The final number of aircraft will be determined by future threat assessments and technological changes. Meanwhile, the retirement of older Mk6A airframes will create a temporary reduction in heavy lift capacity, which the department says is understood and planned for.
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