Egypt Procures 12 Boeing CH-47F, To Phase Out Old CH-47D Fleet
The U.S. Army has awarded Boeing a contract to produce 12 CH-47F Chinook helicopters for the Egyptian Air Force. The contract is worth $426 million and will allow Egypt tol replace its fleet of CH-47D aircraft with the modern F model.
In May 2022, U.S. State Department had approved the possible foreign military sale of 23 CH-47F for $2.6 billion. The deal also included the following: 56 T-55-GA-714A engines; 52 Embedded Global Positioning System Inertial Navigation Systems, 29 AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems (CMWS) and 75 M-240 machine guns, among others. The notification has also stated:
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a Major Non-NATO Ally that continues to be an important strategic partner in the Middle East. The proposed sale will improve Egypt’s heavy lift capability. Egypt will use this enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defense and deter regional threats. Egypt will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and services into its armed forces.”
The CH-47F is an advanced multi-mission helicopter for the U.S. Army and international defense forces. It contains a fully integrated, digital cockpit management system, Common Avionics Architecture System cockpit and advanced cargo-handling capabilities complementing the aircraft’s mission performance and handling characteristics. Boeing’s Ken Eland, vice president and H-47 program manager, commented on the contract:
“The F-model aircraft will enhance Egypt’s Chinook capabilities and help effectively accomplish its heavy-lift objectives. Boeing’s partnership with the Egyptian Air Force remains strong as we continue to work together to modernize their fleet.”
While Vince Logsdon, vice president, Boeing International Business Development, noted:
“Boeing is committed to supporting the defense modernization mission of the Egyptian armed forces and ensuring the best capability for Egypt’s national defense and security.”
Chinook is operated by the U.S. Army and 19 allied international customers, collectively operating over 950 aircraft. Egypt currently operates a fleet of 19 CH-47Ds. The order of 12 helicopters is expected to be followed by a repeat order to completely replace the older variant. Deliveries of the CH-47F to Egypt will commence in 2026.