Military News Today

The deal for six MH-47G special operations helicopters will help sustain Boeing’s Chinook Block II production line, while the manufacturer awaits a hoped-for acquisition decision by the US Army.

The U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command (USASOAC) has awarded Boeing a contract to produce six remanufactured MH-47G Block II aircraft as a part of the Army’s modernisation efforts. With the deal valued at $271M, Boeing has 42 MH-47G aircraft under contract with USASOAC.

“The Chinook has been a key player in the special operations domain for many years. USASOAC and international allies have used the unique capabilities of the Chinook to complete the most daring missions around the globe,” said Heather McBryan, vice president and program manager, cargo programs. “With the modernised MH-47G, USASOAC soldiers are well-suited to meet today’s challenging environment.”

As special operations requirements have become increasingly complex, the heavy-lift helicopter has adapted to meet those changing needs. The MH-47G Block II program not only supports the warfighters needs today but enables the Chinook to be battle-relevant well into the future.

“With the new and improved MH-47G Block II aircraft, USASOAC is not only receiving the most capable Chinook helicopter, they are also provided the flexibility to add additional upgrades as their needs evolve over time,” McBryan added.

Boeing has continued to fortify the US Army’s aerial capabilities with a series of strategic contracts for MH-47G Block II Chinook helicopters. Subsequent agreements, totalling $194.22m in June 2019, $265m in July 2020, $246.48m in November 2021, and a recent $195m in March 2022, reflect Boeing’s sustained commitment. 

With 3.4% of the North American military rotorcraft market, Boeing Co. is projected to be the second-largest shareholder in the region. The company is expected to garner business worth $2.4bn over the forecast period owing to its contracts for CH-47F Chinooks for the US Army, according to GlobalData’s “The Global Military Rotorcraft Market 2023-2033” report. 

Heather McBryan, vice president and programme manager of cargo programmes at Boeing, emphasised the significance of the MH-47G Block II programme. “With the new and improved MH-47G Block II aircraft, USASOAC is not only receiving the most capable Chinook helicopter but they are also provided the flexibility to add additional upgrades as their needs evolve over time.”

The deal’s significance is the immediate impact on USASOAC’s operational capabilities and laying the foundation for future technology upgrades. The Block II Chinook helicopters serve as a stepping stone, positioning the US Army for technological advancements.

Boeing, headquartered in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, will undertake most of the work in the exact location, with the project expected to conclude by May 2027.