Deepening the modernization of its heavy rotary-wing transport capabilities, Japan’s Self-Defense Forces have officially confirmed the purchase of 17 new extended-range CH-47JA Block II helicopters. According to Boeing’s announcement, the aircraft will be co-produced with Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI), strengthening their long-standing partnership, which has already delivered a hundred (100) Chinooks to Japan’s military forces.
At the end of January, Japan’s Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces signed a contract with Kawasaki Heavy Industries for the acquisition of new Chinook heavy transport helicopters in their most advanced version. The total value of the operation amounts to $1.458 billion, covering the co-production of 17 CH-47JA Block II helicopters with Boeing.
Boeing has welcomed this new contract, emphasizing the deepening of its collaboration with Japanese companies. KHI’s involvement in Chinook production dates back to the 1980s, when it began local manufacturing of the CH-47J (based on the CH-47D) for the Japan Ground and Air Self-Defense Forces. In the 1990s, the enhanced extended-range CH-47JA variant was introduced. Since production began in 1984, KHI has manufactured 110 units.
“This contract strengthens our decades-long relationship with KHI and provides critical capability upgrades that will allow Japan’s Self-Defense Forces to operate heavy-lift helicopters for many years to come,” said Heather McBryan, vice president and program manager of Boeing Cargo Programs. “The Block II configuration and digital flight controls will modernize and significantly enhance Japan’s helicopter transport capabilities by improving aircraft stability, safety, and efficiency.”
Although Boeing’s February 13 announcement did not provide further specifics, reports from January indicated that out of the 17 helicopters, five will be assigned to the Air Self-Defense Force, while the remaining 12 will go to the Ground Self-Defense Force. This makes Japan the fourth global operator of the new Chinook variant, joining Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Photos used for illustrative purposes.
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