Boeing is formally offering the CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopter to Poland to support the country’s heavy transport needs.
The announcement was made during the annual MSPO International Defence Industry Exhibition, which took place from September 3 to 6, 2024. This year, the event celebrated Poland’s NATO membership 25th anniversary.
“The Chinook has been a key part of the European defense and humanitarian relief missions for more than five decades and would enhance Poland’s cooperation with allied forces, and support the country’s defense needs,” Tim Flood, Senior Director at International Business Development for Europe and Americas at Boeing, said in a press release, published on September 5, 2024. “In addition, the Chinook would deliver additional benefits to Poland through job creation, economic growth and greater autonomy for the Polish defense industry.”
The CH-47 Chinook is an advanced, tandem rotor helicopter that can help perform many tasks, including transport cargo and troop, search and rescue missions, and carry out special operations.
The Chinook can operate in unprepared, mountainous areas. The helicopter can fly at up to 20,000 feet (about 6.1 kilometers) and performs pinnacle landings.
“Operating the Chinook in tandem with the newly acquired Apaches will serve as a force multiplier for the Polish Armed Forces due to their complementary capabilities,” Adam Hodges, Business Development for Vertical Lift Programs at Boeing, added.
Currently the CH-47F Block II is the newest version of the Chinook. The CH-47F helicopter is designed to transport 31 combat troops, artillery, and equipment up to 16,000 pounds (about 7257.47 kilograms).
On July 1, 2024, Boeing announced that it had delivered the first CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopter to the US. The US Army plans to use these aircraft for additional testing, so full-rate production is expected between July and September 2025.
