Philippine Air Force explores US-made CH-47 Chinook helicopter acquisition for heavy-lift modernization
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On June 19, 2025, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) conducted an official inspection of a CH-47F Chinook helicopter during the Paris Airshow held at Le Bourget Airport in France. The visit was led by Lieutenant General Arthur Cordura, Commanding General of the PAF, who entered the aircraft to evaluate its cockpit layout and operational systems in direct dialogue with a U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2. Personnel from the U.S. Army’s V Corps accompanied the PAF delegation during the session. The evaluation was focused on identifying opportunities for modernization, assessing the platform’s ability to contribute to joint interoperability, and determining its suitability for use within the Philippines’ operational conditions, which are shaped by an archipelagic geography, frequent natural disasters, and territorial security requirements.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Compared to existing helicopters in the PAF inventory, such as the S-70i Black Hawk, the Chinook would increase payload capacity and operational reach, particularly in missions requiring support over water or to mountainous and isolated regions. (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The CH-47F Chinook is a twin-engine, tandem-rotor, heavy-lift helicopter capable of transporting troops, artillery, vehicles, and supplies either internally or externally via sling-load. Its ability to carry significant payloads over long distances is aligned with the logistical challenges of the Philippine archipelago, which consists of more than 7,000 islands. In addition to military roles such as strategic troop movement and resupply of remote outposts, the Chinook’s lift capacity is also relevant for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions, such as the delivery of equipment and medical supplies in post-typhoon conditions or the evacuation of affected populations. Compared to existing rotary-wing platforms in the PAF inventory, such as the S-70i Black Hawk, the Chinook would increase payload capacity and operational reach, particularly in missions requiring support over water or to mountainous and isolated regions.
This evaluation is occurring within the context of the Revised AFP Modernization Act, specifically Re-Horizon 3, which spans the years 2023 to 2028 and is budgeted at approximately $35 billion. Re-Horizon 3 includes priorities related to airlift capability, rotary-wing expansion, and enhanced interoperability with allied forces. The PAF’s rotary-wing fleet is currently being expanded with the delivery of 32 Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk helicopters, which arrived in phases between 2020 and 2024. Additionally, six TAI T-129B ATAK helicopters were ordered and delivered, with the final units arriving in May 2024. The acquisition of CH-47F Chinooks would not replace these platforms but rather add a heavy-lift capability not currently present in the PAF, contributing to a diversified and tiered rotorcraft structure designed to fulfill different roles depending on payload and operational requirements.
Interest in the Chinook grew after the Philippine government cancelled a PHP 12.7 billion ($228 million) contract for 16 Russian Mi-17 helicopters. That contract was suspended due to concerns related to U.S. sanctions imposed on Russia under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). Following this cancellation, U.S. officials reportedly expressed willingness to offer a comparable number of CH-47F helicopters at a similar cost. Negotiations have explored the delivery of four to five CH-47F units, possibly supported by co-funding or grant assistance mechanisms. A U.S. financial contribution of up to $100 million has been mentioned as part of ongoing discussions, though no formal agreement has been signed as of late June 2025. These discussions reflect a broader policy shift by the Philippines toward sourcing defense equipment from the United States in place of earlier procurement efforts involving Russia.
The CH-47F has already appeared in joint military exercises conducted within the Philippines, including JPMRCX training scenarios in which U.S. Army Chinooks were used for jungle operations and troop insertions. These exercises are part of a broader interoperability agenda under bilateral defense cooperation, including agreements such as the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). The presence of the Chinook at the Boeing pavilion during the 2025 Paris Airshow, alongside other U.S. military systems including the C-17 Globemaster III, F-15EX Eagle II, KC-46A Pegasus, and P-8 Poseidon, highlighted its continued role in U.S. defense export efforts and underlined its relevance to partner militaries seeking enhanced air mobility capabilities. The Philippine delegation’s detailed inspection of the aircraft at this venue was interpreted as a step beyond preliminary interest and into serious evaluation ahead of a possible procurement decision.
Before any Chinook acquisition can proceed, funding would need to be approved through the Department of National Defense, the Department of Budget and Management, and the Philippine Congress under the Re-Horizon 3 legal and financial framework. In addition to the financial component, introducing the CH-47F would involve logistical, training, and infrastructure adjustments. This includes the establishment of new maintenance systems compatible with the Chinook’s mechanical and electronic architecture, pilot training programs adapted to heavy-lift rotorcraft operations, and an overhaul of doctrinal planning to integrate the aircraft into existing mission sets. The Philippine Air Force may also seek technical support from the United States through the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program, which would facilitate the transfer of equipment and support packages at reduced cost.
If implemented, the procurement of CH-47F helicopters would add a heavy-lift element to the PAF’s capabilities, supporting operations such as amphibious resupply, rapid disaster response, medical evacuation, and strategic transport over long distances. These missions are currently handled by lighter helicopters that are limited by payload and range. By complementing the existing S-70i fleet and expanding vertical lift capability, the Chinook would provide the PAF with an asset suited to both peacetime emergencies and security operations in contested areas. The aircraft’s integration would enhance the Philippines’ ability to fulfill national defense, civil defense, and alliance responsibilities within its territory and adjacent maritime zones.
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On June 19, 2025, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) conducted an official inspection of a CH-47F Chinook helicopter during the Paris Airshow held at Le Bourget Airport in France. The visit was led by Lieutenant General Arthur Cordura, Commanding General of the PAF, who entered the aircraft to evaluate its cockpit layout and operational systems in direct dialogue with a U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2. Personnel from the U.S. Army’s V Corps accompanied the PAF delegation during the session. The evaluation was focused on identifying opportunities for modernization, assessing the platform’s ability to contribute to joint interoperability, and determining its suitability for use within the Philippines’ operational conditions, which are shaped by an archipelagic geography, frequent natural disasters, and territorial security requirements.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Compared to existing helicopters in the PAF inventory, such as the S-70i Black Hawk, the Chinook would increase payload capacity and operational reach, particularly in missions requiring support over water or to mountainous and isolated regions. (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The CH-47F Chinook is a twin-engine, tandem-rotor, heavy-lift helicopter capable of transporting troops, artillery, vehicles, and supplies either internally or externally via sling-load. Its ability to carry significant payloads over long distances is aligned with the logistical challenges of the Philippine archipelago, which consists of more than 7,000 islands. In addition to military roles such as strategic troop movement and resupply of remote outposts, the Chinook’s lift capacity is also relevant for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions, such as the delivery of equipment and medical supplies in post-typhoon conditions or the evacuation of affected populations. Compared to existing rotary-wing platforms in the PAF inventory, such as the S-70i Black Hawk, the Chinook would increase payload capacity and operational reach, particularly in missions requiring support over water or to mountainous and isolated regions.
This evaluation is occurring within the context of the Revised AFP Modernization Act, specifically Re-Horizon 3, which spans the years 2023 to 2028 and is budgeted at approximately $35 billion. Re-Horizon 3 includes priorities related to airlift capability, rotary-wing expansion, and enhanced interoperability with allied forces. The PAF’s rotary-wing fleet is currently being expanded with the delivery of 32 Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk helicopters, which arrived in phases between 2020 and 2024. Additionally, six TAI T-129B ATAK helicopters were ordered and delivered, with the final units arriving in May 2024. The acquisition of CH-47F Chinooks would not replace these platforms but rather add a heavy-lift capability not currently present in the PAF, contributing to a diversified and tiered rotorcraft structure designed to fulfill different roles depending on payload and operational requirements.
Interest in the Chinook grew after the Philippine government cancelled a PHP 12.7 billion ($228 million) contract for 16 Russian Mi-17 helicopters. That contract was suspended due to concerns related to U.S. sanctions imposed on Russia under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). Following this cancellation, U.S. officials reportedly expressed willingness to offer a comparable number of CH-47F helicopters at a similar cost. Negotiations have explored the delivery of four to five CH-47F units, possibly supported by co-funding or grant assistance mechanisms. A U.S. financial contribution of up to $100 million has been mentioned as part of ongoing discussions, though no formal agreement has been signed as of late June 2025. These discussions reflect a broader policy shift by the Philippines toward sourcing defense equipment from the United States in place of earlier procurement efforts involving Russia.
The CH-47F has already appeared in joint military exercises conducted within the Philippines, including JPMRCX training scenarios in which U.S. Army Chinooks were used for jungle operations and troop insertions. These exercises are part of a broader interoperability agenda under bilateral defense cooperation, including agreements such as the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). The presence of the Chinook at the Boeing pavilion during the 2025 Paris Airshow, alongside other U.S. military systems including the C-17 Globemaster III, F-15EX Eagle II, KC-46A Pegasus, and P-8 Poseidon, highlighted its continued role in U.S. defense export efforts and underlined its relevance to partner militaries seeking enhanced air mobility capabilities. The Philippine delegation’s detailed inspection of the aircraft at this venue was interpreted as a step beyond preliminary interest and into serious evaluation ahead of a possible procurement decision.
Before any Chinook acquisition can proceed, funding would need to be approved through the Department of National Defense, the Department of Budget and Management, and the Philippine Congress under the Re-Horizon 3 legal and financial framework. In addition to the financial component, introducing the CH-47F would involve logistical, training, and infrastructure adjustments. This includes the establishment of new maintenance systems compatible with the Chinook’s mechanical and electronic architecture, pilot training programs adapted to heavy-lift rotorcraft operations, and an overhaul of doctrinal planning to integrate the aircraft into existing mission sets. The Philippine Air Force may also seek technical support from the United States through the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program, which would facilitate the transfer of equipment and support packages at reduced cost.
If implemented, the procurement of CH-47F helicopters would add a heavy-lift element to the PAF’s capabilities, supporting operations such as amphibious resupply, rapid disaster response, medical evacuation, and strategic transport over long distances. These missions are currently handled by lighter helicopters that are limited by payload and range. By complementing the existing S-70i fleet and expanding vertical lift capability, the Chinook would provide the PAF with an asset suited to both peacetime emergencies and security operations in contested areas. The aircraft’s integration would enhance the Philippines’ ability to fulfill national defense, civil defense, and alliance responsibilities within its territory and adjacent maritime zones.
