Equipment Procurement

CH-47 Chinook - Canadian F-model - Medium-to-Heavy Lift Helicopters

Purchase: 15CH-47 Chinook

Contract Amount: The estimated total project cost for this aircraft acquisition is $2 billion, plus an estimated contract value of $2.7 billion for 20 years of in-service support.

Supplier: Boeing

These 15 new medium-to-heavy lift helicopters will allow the Canadian Forces to increase their deployability, mobility and flexibility, and perform more complex operations both at home and abroad. Whether it is food, fuel, ammunition, or soldiers and their equipment, the Chinook can get it all off the ground.

At the same time, the Canadian Chinook F-model will provide better protection for Canadians and enhance our contribution to global peace and security. The Chinook will be used to meet the Canadian Forces' long-term medium-to-heavy lift requirements. It is also part of the Canada First Defence Strategy, which calls for modern, multi-role force.

In March 2008, the Government announced that a Request for Proposal had been issued to Boeing to acquire 15 medium-to-heavy lift Canadian Chinook F-model helicopters.Delivery is expected to begin in 2013 and it is anticipated that the F-models will be operational in 2014.

An important feature of this procurement is the long-term benefit to Canadian industry through industrial and regional benefits. Through the IRB program, successful bidders make contractual commitments to place work in Canada. This ensures that no matter where defence equipment is from, the Canadian economy benefits from the Government's investment. In addition, the in-service support contract will contribute to the economy for 20 years, contributing to a stronger and more prosperous Canada.

In 2008, the Government identified the need for additional helicopters and high performance Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in Afghanistan( PDF Version, 1.88 Mo). To meet these shorter-term needs, Canada signed an agreement with the US Government to acquire six used Chinook D-model helicopters through a Foreign Military Sales Agreement for use in Afghanistan. They commenced operations in Afghanistan in February 2009.

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