§ Mr. Mark FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the fleet of Boeing CH-47D Chinook helicopters is due to be replaced; and what interest the United Kingdom has in the Franco-German award of a study contract to Boeing for a jumbo Chinook. [33017]
§ Dr. MoonieThe CH-47D Chinook helicopters in service with the British armed forces comprise the Chinook Mark 2 and the Chinook Mark 2a variants. The out of service date of the Chinook Mark 2 is the middle of the next decade, but we are looking at the possibility of extending its life. The Chinook Mark 2a is expected to remain in service until the mid 2030s.
We maintain a keen interest in defence-related technological developments and possibilities for collaboration with Allies on procurement projects. However, we do not currently foresee a requirement for a 'jumbo' Chinook.