Deal Marks Shift in German Military Preparedness 

The German Government today announced that Boeing’s CH-47F Chinook has been selected for the German Bundeswehr (armed forces).

Germany will buy sixty Chinooks to replace its aging fleet of CH-53 [Sikorsky Sea Stallions], thereby committing to an oft-postponed decision against the backdrop of war in Ukraine. 

In a speech to the Bundestag lower house of parliament, German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht stated, "With this model we are strengthening our ability to cooperate in Europe." Lambrecht was cagy, however, about what the helicopters would cost.  

According to past data, the Bundeswehr was set to acquire 45 to 60 heavy-lift helicopters for some €4-billion ($4.29-billion), to be delivered between 2023 and 2029. 

After decades of attrition of the country’s armed forces, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz pledged in February—after Russia invaded Ukraine—to sharply increase defense spending and inject €100-billion into the Bundeswehr. 

German Chief of Defense Eberhard Zorn states a crucial argument in the Chinook’s favor was the model’s global use. More than five-hundred Chinooks are in use by the U.S. Army and forces in Europe. Ergo, spare parts and maintenance expertise are abundantly available. 

The decision marks a blow to Boeing's rival, Lockheed Martin, which also competed for the order. Boeing, with its trademark tandem rotor Chinook, and Lockheed, with its CH-53K [King Stallion] are the only Western companies offering proven, heavy-lift military helicopters. 

Boeing addressed the sale with the following statement: “Boeing is honored the German government has selected the CH-47F Chinook for its STH heavy-lift helicopter requirements. With the Chinook, Germany will operate the most affordable, proven and NATO interoperable heavy-lift helicopter. We look forward to working with the U.S. and German governments to finalize this sale under the Foreign Military Sales process.”

FMI: https://www.boeing.com