By Defence Circle/Images: Boeing
Boeing has delivered the first five CH-47F Block I Chinook heavy-lift helicopters to the Egyptian Air Force, marking a significant milestone in the modernisation of the country’s Chinook fleet. The handover ceremony took place on 8 September 2026 at the El Alamein Airshow in Egypt.
The delivery forms part of a $426 million Foreign Military Sale covering 12 CH-47F Block I Chinook helicopters. The programme will replace and modernise Egypt’s existing CH-47D fleet, providing the Egyptian Air Force with upgraded heavy-lift capabilities.
The CH-47F Block I is designed to transport troops, equipment and supplies across a range of operational environments. The aircraft will also support humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and firefighting missions, providing Egypt with additional capabilities for military and civilian support operations.
According to Boeing, the modernised helicopters offer increased payload and range compared with the earlier Chinook variants operated by the Egyptian Air Force. These improvements are intended to enhance the aircraft’s effectiveness across a variety of missions.
The delivery ceremony was attended by senior Egyptian and U.S. government officials alongside Boeing representatives, reflecting the longstanding defence and aviation relationship between the two countries.
“The Chinook flies where it’s needed most — into disaster zones, across deserts, to assist people at their most vulnerable,” said Kathleen (KJ) Jolivette, vice president and general manager of Boeing Vertical Lift Programs.
“For almost five decades Boeing has stood with the Egyptian Air Force. We are not just delivering helicopters; we are committed to keeping this fleet flying, and Egypt’s aircrews safe for years to come,” Jolivette added.
Egypt’s relationship with Boeing extends back nearly six decades, beginning in 1966 with EGYPTAIR’s first Boeing aircraft order. The Egyptian military subsequently acquired 15 CH-47C Chinooks in 1981 before transitioning its fleet to the CH-47D variant by 2002.
In addition to its Chinook programme, Boeing provides in-country field service and engineering support for Egypt’s Apache attack helicopter fleet, contributing to the maintenance and operational support of the country’s rotary-wing aircraft.
Beyond its aviation activities, Boeing has invested more than $3 million in community programmes in Egypt over the past decade. According to the company, these initiatives have reached 9,800 participants during the past five years through programmes focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, employability and entrepreneurship.
The delivery of the first five CH-47F Block I helicopters represents an important phase in Egypt’s ongoing military aviation modernisation programme. The remaining aircraft under the 12-helicopter agreement will further support the transition from the CH-47D to the newer variant, strengthening the Egyptian Air Force’s heavy-lift capacity for military operations and humanitarian missions.