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World Defense & Security Industry News - Boeing Defense
 
 
Boeing wins $645 million contract to sustain UK's fleet of Chinook heavy-lift helicopters
 
The British Ministry of Defence has signed a $645 million contract with Boeing for the in-service support of the Chinook helicopter, saving the taxpayer over $231million. Having played a vital role in operations in Afghanistan, the contract will be for five years and the fleet will be maintained in Fleetlands, Gosport, and other technical support provided from RAF Odiham and sites across the UK.
     
The British Ministry of Defence has signed a $645 million contract with Boeing for the in-service support of the Chinook helicopter, saving the taxpayer over $231million. Having played a vital role in operations in Afghanistan, the contract will be for five years and the fleet will be maintained in Fleetlands, Gosport, and other technical support provided from RAF Odiham and sites across the UK. British RAF Chinook Mk3 heavy lift helicopter
     
Welcoming the deal, the British Prime Minister David Cameron said: "The Chinook support contract represents significant value for money for what is a very capable and versatile support helicopter, protecting UK interests at home and abroad. This will sustain 450 jobs and save the taxpayer over £150 million.($231 mn)"

"As part of our long term economic plan, we are making major defence investments in areas like Portsmouth and today’s announcements demonstrate our commitment to this great city and region."

Chinook is the UK’s only military heavy lift helicopter, able to transport up to 54 troops or 10 tonnes of supplies. The contract will support the RAF’s fleet, which will be 60 strong (32 Chinook HC4, 6 HC4A and 8 HC5) by early 2017 and includes the 16 new Mark 6/HC6 helicopters.