The U.S. Department of State has approved a potential $1.32 billion sale of CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters and related equipment to the United Arab Emirates, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced Monday.
According to the DSCA, the deal includes six CH-47F helicopters equipped with air-to-air refueling probes and extended range fuel tanks, along with a comprehensive suite of avionics, defensive systems, and support equipment.
The package also includes 16 T-55-GA-714A engines, 14 GPS/INS systems with M-Code, missile warning systems, secure radios, and 20 M-240 machine guns.
The procurement is designed to bolster the UAE’s operational range and combat capabilities, particularly for missions involving search and rescue, disaster relief, counterterrorism, and humanitarian support. “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of an important regional partner,” the DSCA said in its statement.
The CH-47F Chinook, manufactured by Boeing, is a twin-engine, tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter designed for a variety of roles, including troop movement, artillery transport, and supply delivery. Boeing Helicopter Aircraft Company in Pennsylvania and Honeywell Engine Company in Arizona are the principal contractors.
As noted by the DSCA, the package includes extended support for logistics, technical maintenance, communications, and in-flight refueling capability.
To support the implementation, two U.S. government personnel and eight contractors will be deployed to the UAE for up to five years. Their role will include system checkout, training, equipment de-processing, and ongoing logistics support.
No offset agreements have been announced at this stage, but any such arrangements will be negotiated between the UAE and the contractor directly.