Two additional CH-47F Chinook helicopters will arrive at RAAF Base Townsville after an expedited sale from the United States Government.
Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP, said the two additional Chinooks were part of the Australian Government’s $595 million investment in heavy-lift battlefield aviation capability.
“The Australian Government is demonstrating its commitment to bolstering Defence’s ability to prepare our ADF to be future ready,” Minister Conroy said.
“The Chinook is Defence’s largest helicopter, which has been instrumental in recent missions including Operation Bushfire Assist in 2019-20, Operation Tonga Assist in 2022 and Operation Queensland/New South Wales Flood Assist in 2022.
“The helicopters will provide Defence with additional lift capacity and strengthen Army’s ability to support operations globally.”
The two additional aircraft will join the Australian Army Aviation Command’s existing 12 CH-47F Chinook medium-lift helicopters operated by C Squadron, 5th Aviation Regiment.
“We thank our United States counterparts, including the United States Army, for their support in this rapid acquisition,” Minister Conroy said.
Australia’s defence industry will continue to play a key role in supporting the increased Chinook fleet, with an additional $69.5 million investment into the Australian economy over the next 20 years.
(Aus DoD)