South Korea finalises CH-47F acquisition

The Republic of Korea Army is moving to replace its ageing fleet of Sikorsky CH-47D helicopters with the newer ‘F' version. Pictured above, members of the US National Guard conduct sling-load training with a CH-47D in 2016. (US Army National Guard photo/Capt Brian Hare)

The South Korean government said it has finalised the acquisition of Boeing CH-47F heavy-lift transport helicopters for the Republic of Korea (RoK) Army.

South Korea has been seeking to acquire 18 CH-47F helicopters to replace the army's ageing fleet of CH-47D Chinooks. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) issued a statement on 28 March that the acquisition of the CH-47F was discussed during a meeting of the 151st Defense Program Promotion Committee that day.

“This time, based on the results of the test evaluation and negotiations, the … CH-47F type was deliberated and decided,” DAPA said.

“Through this project, it is expected that safe mission performance will be ensured by timely replacement of outdated large mobile helicopters, and large-scale transportation capacity and national disaster response capability will be greatly improved,” DAPA added.

According to DAPA, the new CH-47Fs will be acquired between 2022 and 2028. The value of the acquisition is approximately KRW1.49 trillion (USD1.147 billion). The acquisition of the CH-47Fs is being conducted under the “Large Mobile Helicopter-II Project”.

Janes reported earlier that South Korea's Defense Project Promotion Committee (DPPC) originally approved a proposal to replace the army's CH-47Ds in January 2022. However, acquisition of the helicopters was slightly delayed after the DPPC adjusted the purchase method in July 2022. Two companies, Leonardo and Lockheed Martin, had originally expressed interest in participating in the project.