BERLIN, — April 14, 2026 : Boeing has initiated production of the first CH-47F Block II Chinook heavy-lift helicopter for the German Air Force, marking the formal start of manufacturing under Germany’s Schwerer Transporthubschrauber (STH) program. The aircraft, bearing construction number M1701, is the first of a planned 60 helicopters ordered to replace the aging CH-53G Sea Stallion fleet by 2030.
Production is underway at Boeing’s facility in Philadelphia, where major structural assemblies—including the aft section, cabin, and cockpit—are currently in progress. Final assembly of the first aircraft is expected over the coming year. Deliveries to Germany are scheduled to begin in 2027 and continue into the early to mid-2030s.
Program Structure and Contract Details
The acquisition is being executed through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) framework, following an intergovernmental agreement signed between Germany and the United States in July 2023. In October 2025, the U.S. Department of Defense awarded Boeing a contract valued at approximately $876 million to support production of up to 60 aircraft, along with associated logistics and training.
The overall German heavy-lift helicopter program is valued at approximately €7 billion and is financed through the Bundeswehr’s special defense fund established under modernization initiatives.
Industrial Support and Maintenance Framework
Sustainment and training for the fleet will be supported by German industry partners. Technical personnel training will be conducted by Aero-Bildung GmbH, while airframe maintenance will be handled by Lufthansa Technik. Engine maintenance for the Honeywell T55 engines will be carried out by Rolls-Royce Germany. These arrangements are based on partnerships defined during the original selection process.
Force Structure and Basing Changes
The introduction of the CH-47F Block II will lead to structural adjustments within Helicopter Wing 64 (Hubschraubergeschwader 64). The wing’s headquarters will relocate from Laupheim Air Base to Holzdorf Air Base by October 1, 2026.
Holzdorf Air Base will become the central hub for Germany’s transport helicopter operations, hosting the main operational element of the wing—three squadrons with 47 helicopters—as well as an additional 12-aircraft squadron linked to the headquarters relocation. One aircraft will be assigned to the Bundeswehr’s technical center WTD 61 in Manching for testing, evaluation, and certification activities.
Capability and Operational Role
The CH-47F Block II represents the latest configuration of the tandem-rotor Chinook platform, incorporating upgrades that enhance payload and range compared to earlier variants. The helicopter is capable of carrying up to 12 tons of payload, either internally or via external cargo hooks, and can transport up to 36 troops or 24 medical stretchers.
The German configuration includes extended-range fuel tanks and provisions for air-to-air refueling, enabling compatibility with tanker aircraft such as the Airbus A400M and KC-130J. The aircraft is equipped with a digital avionics suite, automated flight control systems, and integrated self-protection systems including missile, radar, and laser warning sensors.
Strategic Context
Germany’s selection of the Chinook supports interoperability with NATO partners, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Netherlands, all of which operate the platform. The shared system is intended to facilitate coordinated operations, logistics integration, and joint mission readiness.
The production of aircraft M1701 proceeds in line with the planned schedule, marking a key milestone in Germany’s effort to modernize its heavy-lift helicopter capability while ensuring continuity of operations as the CH-53G fleet is phased out.
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