Germany will Send 60 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters from Boeing to replace its ageing CH-53 fleet, putting to bed an oft-postponed decision against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine. "With this model we are strengthening our ability to cooperate in Europe," said German Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht, without detailing how much the helicopters would cost during a speech to the Bundestag lower house of parliament on Wednesday.
More than 500 Chinooks are in use by the U.S. Army and forces in Europe, which means spare parts are readily available, so the helicopters can be operated for a long time. The CH-53K is only used by the U.S. Marines and Israel, Zorn said. The decision marks a blow to Boeing's rival Lockheed Martin (LMT.N), which had also competed for the order.