The United States Department of State has approved a follow-on procurement for six Boeing CH-47F Chinook Block II extended-range (ER) heavy-lift helicopters for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on May 12, 2025. The deal, valued at $1.32 billion, will enhance the UAE’s operational capabilities in military and humanitarian missions.
The DSCA noted that the sale aims to extend the UAE’s range of flight operations, equipping its forces for search and rescue, disaster relief, humanitarian support, and counter-terrorism operations. The package includes air-to-air refueling probe capability, extended-range fuel tanks (‘fat tanks’), and Internal Extended-Range Fuel Systems, alongside defensive weapon systems, radar warning receivers, EO/IR sensors, fast-roping systems, ballistic protection, and firefighting equipment.
The UAE was the first international recipient of the latest CH-47F variant, initially acquiring four units in 2010, followed by 16 more in 2014, bringing its fleet to 20. In 2019, the UAE was approved for 10 additional CH-47F ER helicopters in a $830.3 million deal, though reports suggest two more units were added to its inventory, increasing the fleet to 22. With eight CH-47C+ helicopters, the UAE Air Force and Air Defence (AF&AD) now operates a fleet of 32 Chinook helicopters.
Military analysts suggest that this procurement reflects the UAE’s commitment to modernizing its air capabilities, reinforcing its position as a key strategic defense partner in the region. The approval underscores continued US-UAE defense cooperation, bolstering the UAE’s ability to conduct complex operations while enhancing regional security and stability.
