Boeing wins Chinook contract extension

Boeing Defence Australia has signed a contract with defence to continue to support the maintenance, training and sustainment services for Army’s fleet of 14 CH-47F Chinook helicopters.

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

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

“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.”

With the extension, the total contract value is now $146 million.

Australia’s CH-47F Chinook fleet is based in Townsville, with maintenance and sustainment service support provided in Oakey and Brisbane.

“The CH-47F Chinook fleet is an important capability for Defence, providing critical lift capability on several domestic and regional operations, including Bushfire Assist in 2020, and Tonga and Flood Assist in 2022.

“This contract extension will expand the maintenance and training support for our Chinook fleet, while boosting opportunities for defence industry in Queensland.”

The contract extension will add an additional 15 ongoing positions and three apprenticeship employees.

This contract follows the arrival of two additional Chinook helicopters in 2022, which joined the Australian Army Aviation Command’s existing 12 CH-47F Chinook medium-lift helicopters operated by C Squadron, 5th Aviation Regiment in Townsville.

Picture” Australian Defence Force/Chinook