CH-47F Block II Procurement

The Issue

Despite the Army moving forward with Block II for both the conventional Army and the Special Operations Aviation Regiment, it is unclear when the Army National Guard CH-47F Fleet will be upgraded to Block II. The ARNG consistently deploys in support of overseas combat operations performing the same missions as the Active Component and provides domestic emergency response. As the Army acquires new equipment and weapons platforms, those systems must be fielded to Active Component and Reserve Component units simultaneously and proportionally to ensure a fully interoperable and lethal Total Force. With eyes on the recent positive Army decision to move forward with Production of CH-47F Block II, ARNG is eager to better understand the Army’s acquisition and fielding plans for those modernized Chinooks.

Recommendation

Advocate for procurement of at least 6 CH-47F Block II aircraft per year for the Army National Guard within the NDAA and defense appropriations bill to ensure Army National Guard Chinook units are equipped simultaneously and proportionally to the Active Component for a modernized, fully interoperable, and lethal Total Force. The CH-47 Block II program will ensure the CH-47F and MH-47G are Multi-Domain Operational (MDO) aircraft.

Point of Contact

Blaise Lemke
Legislative Affairs Manager, Army Programs