Boeing Starts Building Final Block I Chinooks for S.Korea, Spain

Boeing received $793 million to produce 18 CH-47F Block I Chinooks for South Korea and one additional aircraft for Spain.

As Boeing continues transitioning to building the advanced Block II configuration, the deal represents the final aircraft to be ordered on the current CH-47F Block I FMS contract with the U.S. government.

Although production and deliveries of the CH-47F Block I will conclude with this order in 2027, Chinook modernization efforts will continue with the already underway H-47 Block II program. Block II provides increased lift and range thanks to an improved drivetrain, a reinforced airframe and redesigned fuel tanks. Currently, six Block II aircraft are under contract with the U.S. Army, 36 with U.S. Army Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and 14 with the United Kingdom. SOCOM have been receiving Block II aircraft for several years and the U.S. Army will receive its first CH-47F Block II in early 2024.

Block I and Block II aircraft will coexist in the heavy-lift space. With this latest acquisition of Chinook Block I aircraft, Spain will increase its fleet to 18 aircraft and South Korea will join 15 other operators who benefit from the digital cockpit and advanced cargo handling ability.