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African Pilot Magazine

2 October 2026

Egypt Receives First Five Boeing CH-47F Chinooks

Egypt has received the first five of 12 new Boeing CH-47F Block I Chinooks, beginning replacement of the Egyptian Air Force’s CH-47D fleet.
An Egyptian Air Force CH-47F Chinook displayed at the 2026 El Alamein Airshow, where the first five aircraft were formally handed over in September.
An Egyptian Air Force CH-47F Chinook displayed at the 2026 El Alamein Airshow, where the first five aircraft were formally handed over in September. [© Boeing]
Edited by:
Timothy Homan
Written by:
Timothy Homan
Timothy Homan
Contents

The Egyptian Air Force has received the first five of 12 new Boeing CH-47F Block I Chinooks being acquired through a US$426 million Foreign Military Sales programme.

The helicopters were formally handed over on 8 September during the El Alamein Airshow. Boeing announced the delivery on 15 September and said the aircraft will replace Egypt’s existing CH-47D fleet as part of its Chinook fleet modernisation.

The new Chinooks are intended for troop and equipment transport as well as humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and firefighting. Boeing says the F-model provides greater payload and range than earlier Chinook variants operated by the Egyptian Air Force.

A US Army Infantry Squad Vehicle is guided aboard a CH-47 Chinook during loading and offloading drills at MCAS Yuma, Arizona, in July 2026. Equipment transport is one of the Chinook’s core heavy-lift roles.
A US Army Infantry Squad Vehicle is guided aboard a CH-47 Chinook during loading and offloading drills at MCAS Yuma, Arizona, in July 2026. Equipment transport is one of the Chinook’s core heavy-lift roles. [©Cpl Mhecaela Watts/Department of War]

Egypt has operated Chinooks since acquiring 15 CH-47Cs in 1981. Boeing says the country had transitioned its fleet to the CH-47D by 2002.

The latest aircraft are new-build CH-47Fs rather than upgrades of Egypt’s existing helicopters. In January 2023, the US Army awarded Boeing a US$426 million contract to produce 12 new CH-47Fs for Egypt, with deliveries expected to begin in 2026.

From a Possible 23-Aircraft Sale to 12 Ordered

The 12-aircraft contract followed a broader US State Department approval for a possible Foreign Military Sale announced in May 2022.

The State Department approved a possible sale to Egypt covering 23 CH-47Fs and associated equipment, with an estimated programme value of US$2.6 billion. The Egyptian request included 56 T55-GA-714A engines, navigation equipment, missile and radar warning systems, night-vision equipment, weapons, spares, training and support.

The 2022 notification also listed rescue hoists, external cargo slings and nets, Bambi firefighting buckets, fast-rope systems, cargo loading equipment and extended-range fuel systems. These formed part of the possible sale notified to Congress and should not be read as confirmation that every item is included with the 12 aircraft now under contract.

Boeing has separately confirmed transport, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and firefighting among the roles planned for the new fleet.

An Oregon Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook conducts water-bucket operations during the Hagen Fire in Oregon in July 2026. Firefighting is among the missions Boeing lists for Egypt’s new CH-47F fleet.
An Oregon Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook conducts water-bucket operations during the Hagen Fire in Oregon in July 2026. Firefighting is among the missions Boeing lists for Egypt’s new CH-47F fleet. [©Maj Wayne Clyne/Oregon National Guard]

The CH-47F introduces a fully integrated digital cockpit management system, the Common Avionics Architecture System cockpit and updated cargo-handling capabilities.

US Army CH-47F pilots conduct pre-flight checks in California in March 2026. The F-model features an integrated digital cockpit built around the Common Avionics Architecture System.
US Army CH-47F pilots conduct pre-flight checks in California in March 2026. The F-model features an integrated digital cockpit built around the Common Avionics Architecture System. [©Lance Cpl Zackery Dear/Department of War]

Planned Facilities at Anchas Air Base

A US Army Corps of Engineers solicitation covers planned new and renovated facilities at Anchas Air Base to support Egypt’s acquisition of 12 CH-47 helicopters.

The planned scope includes a new maintenance hangar capable of accommodating four CH-47Fs, maintenance back shops, an apron extension with parking for five Chinooks, a wash rack, service road and supporting utilities. The facilities work falls under a separate Foreign Military Financing case from the aircraft acquisition.

CONTINENTAL AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGIES™

Five of the 12 new helicopters have now been delivered. Boeing did not publish a delivery schedule for the remaining seven in its 15 September announcement.

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