US approved additional extended-range Chinooks for UAE

With the CH-47F already in UAE service (pictured), the country has been approved for a further six extended-range helicopters. (Patrick Allen)

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to receive additional Boeing CH-47F Chinook Block II extended-range (ER) heavy-lift helicopters, with US Department of State approval for a follow-on procurement being announced on 12 May.

According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the UAE has been cleared to buy six helicopters and related equipment for USD1.32 billion.

“The proposed sale will improve the United Arab Emirates' capability to meet current and future threats by extending its range of flight operations. The UAE will use these assets in search and rescue, disaster relief, humanitarian support, and counter-terrorism operations,” the DSCA said.

Included in the approval notification are air-to-air refuel probe capability extended-range fuel tanks (colloquially known as ‘fat tanks'), and Internal Extended-Range Fuel Systems. Also, defensive weapon systems and countermeasures, radar warning receivers, MX-15HDi electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, fast-roping systems, ballistic protection, and firefighting equipment will be delivered.

The UAE was the first export country to acquire the latest-variant CH-47F, with four helicopters delivered in 2010 and a further 16 following from 2014 for a fleet at that time of 20. In November 2019 the country was approved for a further 10 CH-47F ER helicopters for USD830.3 million, and while there were no reports of a subsequent deal being signed a further two helicopters were seemingly added to the inventory at some date after that for a fleet of 22.

With eight CH-47C+ helicopters, the UAE Air Force and Air Defence (AF&AD) fleet now stands at 32 Chinook helicopters.

For more information on UAE CH-47F procurement, please see UAE to buy additional Chinooks .