$8.5 billion for Boeing
Bundeswehr may buy Chinooks from USA
05/12/2023, 04:00 am
Boeing’s CH-47F Chinook transport helicopter is to replace the Bundeswehr’s CH-53G, which is in need of repairs, financed from the 100 billion special fund. The US State Department has now approved the multi-billion dollar deal.
The US government has approved the sale of 60 Boeing CH-47F Chinook military transport helicopters to Germany. The State Department in Washington announced that it had approved the deal, which is valued at an estimated $8.5 billion. The competent authority for defense cooperation informed the US Congress of the approval.
“The proposed sale will support U.S. foreign policy and national security by enhancing the security of a NATO ally, which is a key force for political and economic stability in Europe,” the State Department said. The armaments business will improve the Bundeswehr’s air transport capabilities.
Germany wants to use it to strengthen national defense and respond to “regional threats,” the ministry said. The $8.5 billion purchase price includes the 60 transport helicopters and related equipment.
The purchase of the helicopters was announced last summer by then Federal Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht. The Chinook was “modern and tried and tested” and used by many NATO partners, said the SPD politician at the time.
The twin-engine helicopters are to be financed from the 100 billion special fund for the German armed forces. The Chinook helicopters are to replace the around 50-year-old and repair-prone CH-53G helicopters from the US manufacturer Sikorsky.