The U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of CH-47F Chinook Helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of $259 million. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will improve Australia’s capability to meet current and future threats, increase operational capabilities, strengthen its homeland defense and promote military cooperation.
The Government of Australia has requested to buy four (4) CH-47F cargo helicopters with customer-unique modifications; eight (8) T55-GA-714A aircraft turbine engines, five (5) AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems (CMWS); eight (8) Embedded Global Positioning System (GPS)/Inertial Navigation Systems (INS/EGI) +429; and two (2) EAGLE+429 Embedded Global Positioning System (GPS)/Inertial Navigation Systems (INS/EGI).
Also included is mission equipment; communication and navigation equipment; spare parts and components; special tools and test equipment; publications and technical manuals; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, maintenance, technical, and logistical support services, and other related elements of program and logistical support. These aircraft will be provided from U.S. Army stock. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.
The Australian Defence Force has operated Boeing CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters for most of the period since 1974. Thirty of the type have entered Australian service, comprising twelve CH-47C variants, eight CH-47Ds and ten CH-47Fs. The helicopters have been operated by both the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and Australian Army. The Chinooks have mainly been used to support the Australian Army, though they have performed a wide range of other tasks.
