RAF to buy 14 new Chinook helicopters in £1bn deal
Monday 22 August 2011 1:20 PM
The RAF is to receive 14 new Chinook helicopters in a £1bn contract, the Ministry of Defence has said.
The deal, with US firm Boeing, will bring the total force of Chinooks to 60 - the biggest capability in Europe.
Announcing the deal at RAF Odiham, in Hampshire, Defence Secretary Liam Fox said the government was "committed to delivering a top-class equipment programme that is properly funded".
Dr Fox also met personnel that had recently returned from Afghanistan.
The Chinook is vital to Nato operations in Afghanistan, offering support to both British and other nations' forces.
It has room for 54 troops or can carry at least 25,000lb (11,340kg) of freight.
The £1bn contract includes development, building and five years of support.
Dr Fox said the government deal had brought "reality" to the defence budget, which could now deliver real equipment.
The MoD has been trying to balance the books since last October's strategic defence and security review (SDSR).
The SDSR saw the cancellation of equipment including Nimrod MRA4 reconnaissance planes and the early withdrawal of HMS Ark Royal and Harrier jump-jets.
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