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Written question asked by Baroness Goldie (Conservative) on Monday, 6 July 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 July 2026. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Friday, 17 July 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Chinook Helicopters: Procurement

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government, following the publication of the Defence Investment Plan, (1) how many new Chinooks they will purchase, and (2) when they will purchase them.

Answer

The Defence Investment Plan provides for the recapitalisation of the Chinook fleet through the Chinook Capability Sustainment Programme (CSP). Defence is currently progressing the next phase of this work, known as Chinook CSP Tranche 2, which will replace legacy Chinook aircraft and sustain the United Kingdom's Vertical Heavy Lift capability beyond 2040. This is distinct from Chinook CSP Tranche 1, which is the previously approved procurement of 14 H‑47(ER) aircraft.

Current planning assumptions envisage contractual commitment through the Strategic Defence Review 2030, with deliveries of new Chinook aircraft commencing in the mid-2030s. Initial Operating Capability is expected in the latter part of the 2030s, with further procurement activity supporting the fleet through to at least 2060.

Defence is continuing to refine the requirement and assess options through the programme's assessment phase. The final number of aircraft to be procured, and the associated delivery profile, will be determined through future approvals and force design decisions based on the requirements, threat assessments and the technological changes to have taken place by then.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL1664
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Procurement Chinook helicopters
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk