Boeing Defence given the green light for Chinook contract extension

The Australian Defence Force has approved a $41 million contract extension with Boeing Defence Australia for its Chinook fleet.

Under the extension, the company will continue to support the maintenance, training and sustainment services for Army’s fleet of 14 CH-47F Chinook tandem rotor helicopters.

The total contract value will increase to $146 million adding an additional 15 ongoing positions and three apprenticeship employees in Queensland.

The contract included the arrival of two additional Chinook helicopters in 2022 joining the Australian Army Aviation Command’s existing CH-47F Chinook medium-lift helicopters operated by C Squadron, 5th Aviation Regiment in Townsville.

First Assistant Secretary Joint Aviation System Division Shane Fairweather said the $41 million contract extension would ensure continued support for the Chinook fleet over the next five years.

“Chinooks have formed a significant component of Australia’s contribution to battlefield aviation capability,” Fairweather said.

“The Australian Defence Force has a longstanding history with Chinooks. The platform has a reputation for consistently delivering effective, safe and affordable capability for Defence.