Philippine Air Force Considered Purchase a US-made CH-47 Chinook Helicopter for Heavy-lift Modernization

 TSM-The Philippine Air Force (PAF) conducted an official visit of the CH-47F Chinook helicopter during the Paris Airshow 2025 held at Le Bourget Airport in France. The visit was led by Lieutenant General Arthur Cordura, PAF Commanding General, who entered the aircraft to evaluate its cockpit layout and operational systems in direct dialogue with the US Army Chief of Staff 2. Personnel from the US Army V Corps accompanied the PAF delegation during the session. The evaluation focused on identifying opportunities for modernization, assessing the platform’s ability to contribute to joint interoperability, and determining its suitability for use in the Philippines’ operational conditions, which are shaped by its archipelagic geography, frequent natural disasters, and territorial security requirements.

The CH-47F Chinook is a twin-engine, tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter capable of transporting troops, artillery, vehicles, and supplies both internally and externally via sling-load. Its ability to carry significant payloads over long distances is well-suited to the logistical challenges of the Philippine archipelago, which is comprised of over 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 medical equipment and supplies in post-typhoon conditions or the evacuation of affected populations. Compared to existing rotary-wing platforms in the PAF’s inventory, such as the S-70i Black Hawk, the Chinook will provide increased payload capacity and operational range, particularly in missions requiring support over water or into mountainous and isolated areas.

This evaluation is taking place in the context of the Revised AFP Modernization Act, specifically Re-Horizon 3, which covers 2023 to 2028 and is budgeted at approximately $35 billion. Re-Horizon 3 includes priorities related to airlift capability, expansion of the rotary wing, and increased 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, arriving in batches between 2020 and 2024. In addition, six TAI T-129B ATAK helicopters were ordered and delivered, with the last arriving in May 2024. The acquisition of the CH-47F Chinook will not replace these platforms but will add heavy-lift capabilities that are currently lacking in the PAF, contributing to a diverse 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 PHP12.7 billion ($228 million) contract for 16 Russian Mi-17 helicopters. The contract was suspended due to concerns over US sanctions imposed on Russia under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). Following the cancellation, US officials reportedly expressed willingness to offer a comparable number of CH-47F helicopters at the same cost. Negotiations have explored the delivery of four to five CH-47Fs, possibly supported by a joint funding mechanism or grant assistance. A US financial contribution of up to $100 million has been mentioned as part of the ongoing discussions, although no formal agreement has been signed as of late June 2025. The discussions reflect a broader policy shift by the Philippines toward procuring defense equipment from the United States in lieu of previous procurement efforts involving Russia.

The CH-47F has featured in joint military exercises conducted in the Philippines, including the JPMRCX training scenario in which US Army Chinooks were used for jungle operations and troop insertion. These exercises are part of a broader interoperability agenda under bilateral defense cooperation, including agreements such as the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). The Chinook’s presence in the Boeing pavilion at 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, highlights its continued role in U.S. defense export efforts and underscores its relevance to partner militaries seeking enhanced air mobility capabilities. The Philippine delegation’s detailed inspection of the aircraft on-site is interpreted as a move beyond initial interest and toward serious evaluation ahead of a potential procurement decision.

Before the Chinook acquisition can proceed, funding must 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, the introduction of the CH-47F will involve logistical, training, and infrastructure adjustments. These include the establishment of a new maintenance system compatible with the Chinook’s mechanical and electronic architecture, a pilot training program tailored to heavy-lift helicopter 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 will facilitate the transfer of equipment and support packages at a lower cost. 

If implemented, the CH-47F helicopter procurement will add a heavy-lift element to the PAF’s capabilities, supporting operations such as amphibious resupply, rapid disaster response, medical evacuation, and long-range strategic transport. 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 capabilities, the Chinook will provide the PAF with an asset suitable for peacetime emergencies and security operations in contested areas. The integration of the aircraft will enhance the Philippines' ability to meet its national defense, civil defense, and alliance responsibilities in its territory and adjacent maritime zones. (adm)

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