UK Defence Secretary, Dr Liam Fox, has announced a contract award for 14 new Chinook helicopters, the RAF’s workhorse on the front line in Afghanistan.
The contract with Boeing to supply the Chinook heavy lift helicopters will bring a significant enhancement to the mobility of front line forces.
Already the largest fleet in Europe, this new contract will bring the UK’s overall number of Chinooks to 60.
Dr Fox made the announcement during a visit to RAF Odiham, where he was given a tour of existing Chinook helicopters and spoke to crews who have recently returned from Afghanistan.
The announcement follows the Government’s recent commitment to a one per cent a year real terms increase in the MOD’s equipment and support budget from 2015.
This new Chinook contract is valued at £1bn, including development, manufacture, and the first five years of support for the new Chinooks.