Defense & Military
US Army Orders Nine More Boeing CH47F Block II Chinooks
The US Army doubles its CH-47F Block II Chinook order with nine new helicopters, enhancing payload, range, and avionics for modern heavy-lift missions.
U.S. Army Doubles Down on Heavy-Lift Modernization with New Chinook Order
The U.S. Army is pushing forward with a significant upgrade to its heavy-lift helicopter fleet, placing a fresh order for nine of Boeing‘s next-generation CH-47F Block II Chinooks. Announced on October 21, 2025, the deal, structured across two contracts for production Lots 4 and 5, is valued at $461 million. This move signals a clear commitment to the Chinook platform as the backbone of the Army’s vertical lift capability for the foreseeable future, ensuring that the iconic tandem-rotor helicopter remains relevant in an increasingly complex global landscape.
This latest procurement doubles the Army’s total order of Block II Chinooks to 18 aircraft, building on a modernization program designed to enhance payload, range, and overall performance. The decision follows a “Rapid Fielding” production strategy, aimed at getting these advanced military aircraft into the hands of soldiers more quickly. With six production models already delivered and undergoing rigorous operational evaluations, the Army is actively validating the capabilities that the Block II variant brings to the field. This methodical approach underscores the importance of ensuring the new Chinooks meet the demanding requirements of modern multi-domain operations.
The CH-47 Chinook has been an indispensable asset for the U.S. Army since its introduction in the 1960s, serving in every major conflict and countless humanitarian missions. The Block II program represents the most substantial evolution in the helicopter’s storied history. It’s not just about keeping an old airframe flying; it’s a comprehensive modernization effort designed to prepare the fleet for the challenges of the next 40 years. By integrating new technologies with a proven design, the Army aims to create a more capable and sustainable heavy-lift force.
Enhanced Capabilities for the Modern Battlefield
The core of the CH-47F Block II upgrade is a series of significant performance enhancements. The new variant boasts a strengthened airframe and an improved drivetrain, which together increase its maximum gross weight by 4,000 pounds, bringing the total to 54,000 pounds. This increased lift capacity is a game-changer, enabling the Chinook to transport heavier equipment, such as the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), which the older Block I models could not carry. This capability is crucial for logistical operations in contested environments where speed and efficiency are paramount.
Beyond just lifting more, the Block II can fly farther. Boeing redesigned the fuel system, replacing the previous six-tank configuration with two larger, more efficient tanks. This change increases the helicopter’s fuel capacity and extends its mission radius, allowing it to deliver troops and supplies to more distant and austere locations without refueling. Combined with advanced composite rotor blades that feature a swept-tip design for better lift and efficiency, the Block II is a more capable and versatile platform for a wide range of missions.
Inside the cockpit, the aircraft is equipped with the Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS), a fully integrated, digital cockpit management system that enhances crew situational awareness. This modern avionics suite, coupled with the helicopter’s raw power, capable of reaching speeds of 170 knots (315 km/h) and altitudes up to 20,000 feet, makes the CH-47F Block II a formidable asset. It can carry up to 55 troops or over 22,000 pounds of cargo, ensuring it can meet the diverse demands of the modern battlefield.
“The rapid succession of contracts indicates that the Chinook will continue to play an important role in the U.S. Army’s family-of-systems, particularly in a contested logistics environment.” – Heather McBryan, Vice President and Program Manager, Cargo Programs, for Boeing Defense, Space and Security
A Strategic Imperative for Future Conflicts
The Army’s investment in the Block II program is a direct response to the evolving nature of warfare. The focus on “contested logistics” highlights the need for aircraft that can operate effectively in environments where air superiority is not guaranteed. The Chinook’s ability to move large amounts of personnel and equipment quickly and efficiently is a critical enabler for the Army’s strategic responsiveness across the full spectrum of operations. The modernization effort is not just about upgrading a helicopter; it’s about future-proofing the Army’s heavy-lift capability.
The long-term vision for the program is to upgrade the Army’s entire fleet of over 465 Chinooks to the Block II standard. This ambitious goal reflects the platform’s central role in the Army’s aviation strategy. The program also employs a cost-effective induction process, where reusable parts from Block I Chinooks are integrated with new Block II technologies. This approach saves both time and money, allowing for a more efficient and sustainable modernization process. The design of the Block II also allows for more affordable technology insertions in the future, ensuring the platform can adapt to new threats and requirements as they emerge.
The program’s significance extends beyond the U.S. military. The CH-47F Block II has also attracted interest from international partners, with orders from the United Kingdom and Germany. This international adoption enhances interoperability among allied forces and strengthens the global defense industrial base. As Boeing and the Army are already in discussions for a potential Lot 6 procurement, the production line for this advanced helicopter is set to remain active for years to come, solidifying the Chinook’s status as the premier heavy-lift helicopter for Western militaries.
Conclusion: A Legacy Reimagined
The U.S. Army’s latest order for nine CH-47F Block II Chinooks is a clear and decisive step in its ongoing effort to modernize its aviation fleet. This $461 million investment reinforces the enduring value of the Chinook platform while equipping it with the capabilities needed to meet the challenges of the 21st-century battlefield. With increased payload, extended range, and advanced avionics, the Block II is more than just an upgrade; it is a reimagining of what a heavy-lift helicopter can do. The program ensures that soldiers will have the vertical lift support they need to operate and win in complex and contested environments around the globe.
Looking ahead, the CH-47F Block II is poised to remain the cornerstone of U.S. Army and allied heavy-lift operations for decades. The commitment to potentially upgrade the entire fleet, combined with international interest, secures the Chinook’s production and development path. As the six initial aircraft continue their operational evaluations, the real-world feedback from soldiers will further refine the platform, ensuring it is perfectly tuned to the needs of the warfighter. The legacy of the Chinook, which began over 60 years ago, is not only being preserved but is being actively forged anew for a new era of military operations.
FAQ
Question: What is the total value of the new contract for the CH-47F Block II Chinooks?
Answer: The U.S. Army awarded Boeing two contracts for Lots 4 and 5, with a combined value of $461 million for nine helicopters.
Question: How many Block II Chinooks does the U.S. Army now have on order?
Answer: This new order for nine helicopters brings the total number of CH-47F Block II aircraft under contract with the U.S. Army to 18.
Question: What are the main improvements of the Block II variant over the previous model?
Answer: The Block II features a strengthened airframe and an improved drivetrain, increasing payload capacity by 4,000 pounds. It also has a redesigned fuel system for extended range and advanced composite rotor blades for better performance.
Sources: boeing.mediaroom.com
Photo Credit: Boeing
Defense & Military
Gripen F Completes Inaugural Flight in Linköping Sweden
Saab and the Brazilian Air Force completed the first flight of the Gripen F two-seat fighter on August 28, 2026.
Saab and the Brazilian Air Force have successfully completed the inaugural flight of the Gripen F, the two-seat variant of the Gripen E fighter, initiating the airborne test campaign for the jointly developed aircraft.
The aircraft took off from Saab’s airfield in Linköping, Sweden, on August 28, 2026. In a press release issued today, the manufacturer confirmed the milestone advances a comprehensive technology transfer program designed to deliver both pilot training and full operational combat capabilities.
Inaugural flight and test campaign
The flight commenced at 09:40 local time and lasted 40 minutes. Saab Chief Test Pilot Jakob Högberg and Brazilian Air Force Test Pilot Lieutenant Colonel Aviator Abdon de Rezende Vasconcelos operated the aircraft.
Lars Tossman, Head of Business Area Aeronautics at Saab, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the milestone.
“This first flight represents an important step forward for both Saab and the Brazilian Air Force. Seeing Gripen F take to the skies is particularly significant for all the Swedish and Brazilian teams whose years of engineering work have helped turn this aircraft into a reality. It is designed to accelerate pilot training while and enhancing operational performance in advanced combat missions,” Tossman said.
The Gripen F test program will now transition into a progressive envelope expansion phase. Saab stated that upcoming flights will clear performance limits, including speed, altitude, G-load, and angle of attack, while evaluating the tactical systems of the independent rear cockpit.
Design specifications and Brazilian procurement
The Gripen F incorporates specific design modifications to accommodate a second crew member. According to Air Data News, the two-seat variant measures 15.9 meters in length, compared to the 15.2-meter single-seat Gripen E, and has a maximum takeoff weight of 16,500 kilograms. To make room for the rear cockpit, engineers omitted the internal 27 mm Mauser BK27 cannon found on the single-seat model. Despite this change, the aircraft retains full operational combat capability and utilizes the same General Electric F414G engine.
The development of the Gripen F is heavily tied to Brazilian defense procurement. Aviation Week reports that the Brazilian Air Force ordered eight Gripen F aircraft as part of a broader 36-aircraft contract signed in 2014. Saab officially presented the first Gripen F during a rollout ceremony in Linköping on June 2, 2026. The manufacturer noted that more than 350 Brazilian engineers, technicians, and pilots have participated in training and development activities for the program.
AirPro News analysis
We view the successful first flight of the Gripen F as a critical validation of the technology transfer agreement between Saab and its Brazilian partners, including Embraer. The integration of a fully combat-capable rear cockpit ensures the Brazilian Air Force can conduct advanced training while maintaining frontline fleet readiness. Delivering the two-seat variant on schedule strengthens Saab’s position in future export campaigns where dual-role trainer and combat aircraft are required.
Sources: Saab
Photo Credit: Saab
Defense & Military
Neura Defense Systems Rebrands as Volantyx Aerospace
Neura Defense Systems rebrands as Volantyx Aerospace to develop counter-UAS tech targeting RF-silent drone swarms.
Saint Petersburg, Florida-based Neura Defense Systems, Inc. announced on August 26, 2026, that it has rebranded as Volantyx Aerospace, Inc. to reflect its expansion from a single-product defense developer into a broader aerospace technology platform.
In a press release issued Wednesday, the company stated the original Neura Defense Systems name will be retained for its defense division and current operating business. The corporate restructuring aligns with the company’s focus on developing a distributed edge-intelligence architecture designed to counter autonomous, radio-frequency-silent drone swarms.
Addressing the RF-silent swarm-drone gap
Volantyx Aerospace is targeting a specific vulnerability in current counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) defense networks. Traditional detection and mitigation rely heavily on radio frequency (RF) signals, which are ineffective against pre-programmed or autonomous aircraft that do not emit such signals.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer Sam Talari explained the limitations of legacy systems in the company’s announcement, noting that the new architecture is built on the assumption that any single sensor can be degraded or absent.
An RF sensor cannot detect a signal that is not there, and a jammer cannot sever a control link that does not exist. We start from the aircraft’s physical signature instead — radar return, sound, heat, visual — and combine those into one track and one decision picture for the operator.
The company has filed 13 United States provisional patent applications covering multi-modal sensor fusion, distributed networking, cognitive command, and the detection of non-emitting aircraft. The resulting intelligence layer is designed to make decisions at the edge without cloud dependency while preserving a record of system observations.
Development timeline and market positioning
The rebranding occurs as federal investment in counter-UAS technologies accelerates. Volantyx Aerospace remains in the development stage, with its core capabilities currently undergoing hardware integration and field evaluation following initial tests in a controlled environment.
The company clarified in its release that it does not yet claim a fielded deployment, operational performance metrics, or a contract award. Volantyx Aerospace plans to begin manufacturing or supplying effectors in early 2027. The corporate name change is a structural adjustment for the Delaware corporation and does not alter existing agreements, obligations, or ownership.
AirPro News analysis
The transition from Neura Defense Systems to Volantyx Aerospace signals a strategic pivot to capture dual-use commercial and defense markets. As autonomous UAS capabilities proliferate, the reliance on RF jamming and detection is becoming a recognized vulnerability in airspace security. By focusing on multi-modal physical signatures, we view Volantyx’s approach as a necessary evolution in counter-UAS architecture. The company’s explicit acknowledgment that it lacks fielded deployments or contract awards underscores the significant gap between conceptual architecture and operational validation. The early 2027 target for effector manufacturing will be a critical milestone to monitor as the company attempts to transition from a development-stage startup to an active aerospace supplier.
Photo Credit: Neura Defense Systems, Inc.
Defense & Military
Lockheed Martin Offers Peru $1.8B F-16 Block 70 Offset Package
Lockheed Martin proposes a $1.8B industrial package for Peru’s F-16 Block 70 program, including UAS assembly and MRO expansion.
Lockheed Martin has outlined a $1.8 billion industrial and social collaboration package for Peru, designed to integrate local firms into the global aerospace supply chain as part of the country’s F-16 Block 70 procurement program.
Announced in a press release on August 26, 2026, the offset proposal follows the Peruvian government’s April 2026 decision to acquire an initial batch of 12 F-16 Block 70 aircraft. The comprehensive package aims to position Peru as a regional hub for advanced unmanned systems and aerospace services.
Expanding Peru’s aerospace industrial base
The proposed industrial agreement focuses heavily on technology transfer and domestic manufacturing. Key components include the domestic assembly of an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) tailored for the Latin American market, the establishment of joint research hubs, and the creation of a UAS Technical Institute. The package also outlines plans to expand Peru’s high-tech maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) footprint.
“As we collaborate with the local industry, we aim to deliver tangible, high-value opportunities that build a skilled workforce, enable knowledge transfer and create lasting economic impact on both sides of the partnership,” said Tara Lause, Vice President of Business Development for the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin.
Lause added that the procurement creates enduring alliances and industrial collaboration opportunities with the United States and other partner nations.
Fleet modernization and electronic warfare capabilities
Peru is currently working to replace its aging fleet of Soviet-era MiG-29s and French Mirage 2000s. The F-16 Block 70 was selected over competing bids from Saab and Dassault. To equip the new fleet, the government of Peru selected L3Harris Technologies to provide its AN/ALQ-254(V)1 Viper Shield all-digital electronic warfare suite, a decision announced on August 17, 2026. The Viper Shield system provides advanced radar warning and jamming capabilities.
Lockheed Martin noted that the F-16 is currently operated by 29 countries, with a global fleet of 2,800 aircraft. Mike Shoemaker, Vice President of the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin, stated that the selection highlights the aircraft’s operational performance and ability to meet pressing defense requirements.
AirPro News analysis
The announcement of a $1.8 billion industrial offset package is a strategic move by Lockheed Martin to solidify the F-16 Block 70 sale amid a complex political environment in Lima. While the Peruvian government selected the aircraft in April 2026, regional defense reporting indicates that the procurement process has encountered delays linked to ministerial resignations and defense budget debates. By offering substantial domestic manufacturing opportunities, including UAS assembly and MRO expansion, Lockheed Martin is providing Peruvian leadership with a strong economic justification to finalize the state-to-state contract. We view this comprehensive technology transfer as a critical lever in moving the procurement from selection to a finalized, funded agreement.
Sources: Lockheed Martin
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
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