CH-47F Chinook helicopter being used in Operation Flood Assist. Source : Department of Defence (Australian Army)
Boeing Defence Australia have elected to continue supporting the 14 Chinook helicopters currently owned by the Australian Army.
The contract is being extended to support the maintenance, training, and appropriate sustainment services for the CH-47F Chinook chopper fleet for the next five years.
Joint Aviation System Division First Assistant Secretary Shane Fairweather said the extension will help ensure the fleet is appropriately maintained and supported until the contract expires.
“Chinooks have formed a significant component of Australia’s contribution to battlefield aviation capability.” Mr Fairweather said.
“The Australian Defence Force has a longstanding history with Chinooks.
“The platform has a reputation for consistently delivering effective, safe, and affordable capability for defence.” He said.
The extension to the contract will cost $41 million, bringing the total value of the contract to $146 million.
The fleet is based in Townsville while maintenance and sustainment service support is provided in Oakey and Brisbane facilities and bases.
Mr Fairweather said the Chinook helicopters are important to the Australian Army on several levels, having been used to assist in combating bushfires.
“The CH-47F Chinook fleet is an important capability for Defence, providing critical lift capability on several domestic and regional operations, including Bushfire Assist in 2020, and Tonga and Flood Assist in 2022.” Mr Fairweather said.
“This contract extension will expand the maintenance and training support for our Chinook fleet, while boosting opportunities for defence industry in Queensland.” He said.
The extension to the contract is expected to add several employment opportunities for the Queensland defence industry.
It will add 15 ongoing positions of employment, and 3 apprenticeship positions.
In 2022, two additional Chinook helicopters were acquired by the Australian Army and placed with the existing fleet under the Australian Army Aviation Command.
