Japan has finalized a contract with Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) to produce an additional 17 CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters for its armed forces.
The deal is valued at approximately 232.5 billion yen ($1.46 billion).
Under the agreement, Japan will procure five CH-47J helicopters for 71.4 billion yen ($458.1 million) and 12 extended-range CH-47JA platforms for 161.1 billion yen ($1 billion). These helicopters will incorporate the advanced Chinook Block II configuration, making Japan the fourth global customer to adopt this upgraded model.
The Block II configuration introduces several enhancements to the iconic Chinook design, including a reinforced airframe, improved drivetrain, and redesigned fuel tanks, which collectively increase the aircraft’s payload capacity and performance. The upgrades aim to bolster the operational effectiveness of Japan’s military in missions requiring heavy airlift capability.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries has been manufacturing CH-47 helicopters under license from Boeing since 1984. The company has delivered over 100 units to Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, including 50 CH-47Js for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) and 15 CH-47Js for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).
The CH-47 Chinook is renowned for its reliability and versatility, capable of executing a variety of missions ranging from troop transport and disaster relief to logistical support.