Spanish Army Helicopters Take Part in INTECAP 26 Exercise

 

Spanish Army aviation assets have played a central role in the latest edition of the INTECAP 26 exercise, a key training event focused on integrating combat capabilities and refining air assault operations.

The exercise brought together airborne units from the Brigada Paracaidista and aviation elements from the Fuerzas Aeromóviles del Ejército de Tierra, with the aim of improving interoperability and synchronizing procedures for future high-intensity scenarios.

Rotary-wing platforms were at the core of the exercise. The heavy-lift CH-47F Chinook enabled the rapid deployment of troops and equipment, including artillery, into forward areas. Meanwhile, the EC665 Tiger provided armed escort and close air support, ensuring protection and firepower during air assault operations.

Also participating were the Eurocopter AS532 Cougar helicopters, which contributed to troop transport and tactical mobility, adding another layer of flexibility to the overall operation.

The combination of these platforms highlights the Spanish Army’s focus on air-ground integration. Transport helicopters deliver combat units where needed, while attack helicopters secure the environment and support forces on the ground, enabling coordinated and rapid-response operations.

INTECAP 26 reflects a broader effort by the Spanish Army to enhance readiness for complex missions, particularly those involving rapid deployment and joint operations within a NATO framework.

Spain Purchases 17 CH-47F Helicopters

The US State Department has approved a possible sale of CH-47F aircraft for an estimated cost of $1.3 billion to Spain.
The Government of Spain has requested to buy 17 CH-47F cargo helicopters with customer-unique modifications, 21 Common Missile Warning System (CMWS) AN/AAR-57A(V)8, and 42 Embedded Global Positioning System (GPS) Inertial Navigation System (INS) (EGI).
Also included are mission equipment, hardware and services required to implement customer-unique modifications, communication, Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE), and navigation equipment including AN/ARC-231 Multi-mode radios, AN/ARC-201D SINCGARS radios, AN/ARC-220 High Frequency (HF) Radio, Identification, Friend or Foe (IFF), AN/AAR-57A(V)8, and the Radar Signal Detecting Set (RSDS), AN/APR-39A(V)1, special tools and test equipment, ground support equipment, airframe and engine spare parts, technical data, publications, MWO/ECPs, technical assistance, transportation of aircraft and training, and other related elements of logistics and program support.
defensedaily

Germany to choose between Chinook and CH-53K for heavy-lift successor

Germany is moving ahead with an acquisition programme to replace its air force's Sikorsky CH-53 heavy-lift helicopters, with the choice narrowed to two types.
One key driver for Berlin's effort under the fledgling heavy transport helicopter project is the need to purchase a rotorcraft already in production, rather than launching a clean-sheet development programme.
Luftwaffe capability manager in charge of the programme, says only two heavy-lift helicopters effectively meet that requirement: the Boeing CH-47F Chinook and Sikorsky's CH-53K King Stallion – being developed for the US Marine Corps.
As the helicopter will be used to support special forces operations and combat search and rescue tasks, an aerial refuelling capability is required, he says. However, Germany presently has no tankers suitable for the role. Although it is a customer of the Airbus Defence & Space A400M, the tactical airlifter is unable to perform in-flight refuelling of rotorcraft.
flightglobal

Australia Set to Acquire Three More Chinook CH-47F

The seven CH-47Fs were ordered in March 2010, with order for three more, would take the fleet to 10 CH-47Fs.
The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia for CH-47F aircraft, related equipment and support. The estimated cost is $180 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on December 18, 2015.
defense-studies

UK receives final Chinook helicopter

The United Kingdom's fleet of Boeing Chinook heavy-lift transport helicopters was brought up to full strength with the arrival of the final HC6 aircraft from the Philadelphia production plant on 7 December.
With the arrival of the last HC6 platform at the type's main operating base of Royal Air Force (RAF) Odiham in Hampshire, the United Kingdom now fields 38 HC4, eight HC5, and 14 HC6 Chinooks for its full component of 60 helicopters.
The handover marks the conclusion of HC6 deliveries that began in December 2014, with full operating capability now set to be declared.
The HC6 is essentially the same model helicopter as the CH-47F flown by the US Army.
janes

Netherlands to acquire 14 more CH-47F rotorcraft

Recognising the Chinook’s importance in missions such as deploying quick reaction forces and humanitarian assistance, the Dutch air force has decided to retire its 10 ageing CH-47Ds – which were delivered from 1995 – and upgrade its existing six F-model examples, which entered use from 2013.
Following their delivery from 2019, the Dutch aircraft will receive some modifications in the USA to meet the nation’s operational demands and certification standards. These will include installing crash-protected seats in the cockpit and cabin, and a VHF radio to enable secure communications with ground forces. Self-protection and icing detection equipment, a fast rope insertion and extraction system and an emergency locator transmitter will also be provided, along with a piloting function for its forward-looking infrared system.
flightglobal

Indian Defence ministry clears deal to buy 15 Chinook and 22 Apache Helicopters

The defence ministry has cleared two crucial deals to equip the Indian Air Force with US-built attack and heavy-lift helicopters.
Defence minister has sent the proposals to buy 22 AH-64D Apache and 15 CH-47F Chinook to the finance ministry for clearance.
The Apache proposal went to the finance ministry on April 23, while the one to buy Chinooks was sent last week. The proposals will later go to the cabinet committee on security, for final clearance. The latest price extension granted by Boeing for the choppers is valid till June 30.
The proposals have clauses to place follow-on orders for 11 more Apaches and four extra Chinooks. Boeing had beaten off competition from Russia, which had offered its Mi-28N and Mi-26.
hindustantimes

Australia commissions first two CH-47Fs Chinook

The first two of seven CH-47F heavy-lift helicopters for the 5th Aviation Regiment of the Australian Army were commissioned in a ceremony at RAAF Townsville on 5 May.
The remaining Chinooks will be delivered by the end of July. Initial operating capability (IOC) would be achieved by December 2015 and full operating capability (FOC) by January 2017.Although the new aircraft are being received in a common configuration with the US Army's baseline CH-47Fs, they also incorporate optional Boeing-designed rotor brakes and ship tie-down adaptors to enhance operations from the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN's) two Canberra class landing helicopter docks (LHDs).
janes

India Likely To Sign AH-64 and CH-47F Deal During US Defense Secretary Visit

India is likely to sign a nearly $2.5 billion deal for 22 AH-64E Apache and 15 CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters during an upcoming visit by U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter.
India downselected the Apache over the Russian Mi-28N in 2012 to replace its aging Russian Mi-25/35 aircraft. The Russians also lost out to Boeing in the race to sell heavy-lift helicopters after the Indian air force said it preferred the Chinook over the Mi-26T2.
India operates a Russian-built fleet of aging Mi-35 attack helicopters that urgently need to be replaced.
aviationweek

Netherlands Cleared to Buy 17 CH-47F CHINOOK

The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Netherlands for 17 CH-47F, 46 T55-GA-714A Engines, 41 Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation Systems (EGIs), 54 AN/ARC-231 Ultra High Frequency/Very High Frequency Radios, 21 AN/ARC-220 High Frequency Radios, 21 AN/APX-123A Identification Friend or Foe Transponders, and 41 AN/ARC-201D Very High Frequency Radios.
dsca

Spain To Decrease Military Helicopter Types from 14 to 4

A new helicopter master plan drawn up by the Spanish Ministry of Defence (MdD) envisages the number of different models used by the services being reduced from the current 14 to four by 2040.
Three will be from Airbus Helicopters - the NH90, the H135 (formerly EC135), and the Tiger - while the fourth will be the Boeing Chinook, which will need to be upgraded.
One of the key elements will be the navy version of the NH90, for which the Armada is seeking two variants - one a maritime transport which is not yet available, plus another for anti-submarine operations.
The Hughes 500 is due to be stood down by the Armada from 2018, to be replaced by the H135, while the Sikorsky SH-3 Sea Kings will be modernised to keep them active until the arrival of the hoped-for transport replacement.
The current modernisation programme for the Agusta-Bell AB212 will enable these to keep flying until at least 2030 from the corvette-style Buque de Acción Marítima (BAMs), while the army version of the aircraft is due to be retired by 2017.
As for the army's attack helicopters, the plan says the programme to begin phasing out the MBB Bo-105 will start soon. Now the decision has been taken that the six HAP versions of its replacement, the Tiger, will not be upgraded to the HAD-E Spanish version, from around 2027 onwards the army's airmobile forces (FAMET) will operate just 18 of the latter.
In the case of the Chinook, the MdD's aim is to upgrade from the CH-47D to CH-47F versions, with a programme office being set up to handle the proposed purchase from the United States.
The training helicopters, the Airbus H120 and the Sikorsky S-76C, are due to be taken out of service from around 2027, with the replacement almost certain to be the H135. The recent reductions in the NH90 programme will also mean modernisation programmes will be needed for the army's Airbus Super Puma and Cougar.
janes

India May Sign AH-64 CH-47 Deal by Boeing Deadline

Pressured by a possible price hike from Boeing in its planned purchase of 22 AH-64E Apache and 15 CH-47F Chinook helicopters for the Air Force, the Indian Ministry of Defence is considering inking the final contract before March 31 when the price set by Boeing will expire.
A Boeing executive said the company cannot guarantee it will be able to keep the price quote beyond March 31 because it cannot afford to "wait endlessly".
India delayed signing the contract because of a lack of funds. Even in the current financial year, which ends March 31, there are no funds for new purchases because money has been diverted from the Capital Head, which is reserved for buying new weapons, to the Revenue Head account, which is used to pay for salaries and day-to-day expenses of the 1.5-million-person military.
Under these circumstances, MoD is now considering signing the $2.5 billion contract before March 31 but begin making payments in the next financial year.
The Boeing executive said they will respond to this method of payment after such a proposal is received.
However, before the deal is inked it will need clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security which is headed by the prime minister.
The Indian Air Force selected Boeing's AH-64E Apache and CH-47F Chinook helicopters over the Russian Mi-28H Night Hunter and Mi-26 heavy lift helicopter in 2012.
defensenews

Italian army receives new CH-47F Chinook

AgustaWestland delivered the Italian army's first two of at least 16 ICH-47F Chinook transport helicopters on 2 October, during a ceremony held at its Vergiate plant near Varese.
The current fleet of modernised CH-47Cs, has been the workhorse of Italian army aviation for more than four decades and have flown 5,600h in the extreme conditions of Afghanistan.
The first ICH-47F left AgustaWestland's facility with the army's first qualified crew immediately after the ceremony to reach Viterbo; the home of the 1st Regiment “Antares”, which already operates 17 CH-47C+ helicopters. The second aircraft will follow around mid-October, with two more to be transferred before the end of the year. Initial operating capability with the new variant is expected to be declared in around 12 months.
flightglobal

Canada receives last CH-147F Chinook

Boeing delivered to the Royal Canadian Air Force the last CH-147F of a total of 15 on order.
The Canadian CH-147F features a modernized airframe with a long-range fuel system allowing it to fly twice as far as standard range models. An upgraded electrical system provides additional power and redundancy, while a fully integrated Common Avionics Architecture System cockpit and Digital Automatic Flight Control System reduce pilot workload and provide greater situational awareness.
The aircraft also has an advanced Aircraft Survivability Equipment suite.
Boeing is providing in-service support to the CH-147F fleet over the next 20 years.
The final CH-147F will join the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, under command of 1 Wing Kingston, Ontario, and will be based at CFB Petawawa.
boeing

Boeing to deliver 28 Chinooks to US Army

Boeing will build six new CH-47F heavy-lift helicopters and remanufacture 22 more for the US Army in Fiscal 2014 under a contract announced on 26 December.
The contract signed with the Army Contracting Command includes funds for long-lead items to remanufacture 13 more Chinooks to the F-model standard in Fiscal 2015.
Boeing is in the second year of a five-year agreement to build 155 CH-47F helicopters.
The programme includes building new CH-47Fs, and replacing the fuselages and rotor systems of CH-47Ds and remanufacturing them to F-model standard.
The CH-47F adds a digital cockpit and a new airframe with reduced vibration. Honeywell is delivering more powerful T55-GA-714A turbofshaft engines for the CH-47F helicopters.
The army plans to continue operating the tandem-rotor Chinook until 2038.
flightglobal

DSCA Approves Sale of 14 Chinooks to South Korea

A $151 million deal for 14 Boeing CH-47D Chinook cargo helicopters to South Korea has gotten the green light from the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
Released under the Foreign Military Sales program, the Dec. 3 DSCA notification said the aircraft will be sold and transferred to South Korea incrementally once the US Army begins taking receipt of new-production CH-47F model aircraft.
The 14 CH-47Ds are currently operated by US Forces Korea in South Korea.
The US Army will not replace the CH-47D aircraft being sold and transferred to South Korea.
defensenews

USA may sell 14 used CH-47Ds to South Korea

South Korea could obtain 14 used Boeing CH-47D Chinook helicopters from US army forces stationed in the country.
The deal would be conducted under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) mechanism.
If the sale is approved, the aircraft would be transferred to South Korean forces incrementally as US army units take delivery of new-build CH-47Fs.
The DSCA has not given a timeframe for the proposed deal.
flightglobal

First Italian Army ICH-47F Chinook Performs Its Maiden Flight

AgustaWestland is pleased announces that the first ICH-47F Chinook for the Italian Army successfully accomplished its maiden flight on June 24th at Vergiate in Italy. The aircraft took to the air for 15 minutes, performing as expected whilst carrying out basic handling tests and main systems checks.

defencetalk

First CH-147F Chinook helicopter welcomed to Canada

The Canadian Minister of National Defence responsible for military procurement today welcomed the delivery of the Canadian Armed Forces' first new CH-147F Chinook helicopter at a ceremony at the Canada Reception Centre in Ottawa.

U.S. Army signs $4 billion multi-year contract for 177 CH-47Fs

In an agreement that will save the U.S. government more than $800 million, the Army and Boeing have signed a $4 billion multi-year contract for 177 CH-47F Chinook helicopters, with the Army holding options that could increase its total buy to 215 aircraft.
Deliveries from the agreement, which is a cost-effective alternative to annually contracting for the aircraft, begin in 2015.
boeing