Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the 2026 Defence Investment Plan, paragraph 68, what are his plans for future purchases of newer Chinooks.

The Defence Investment Plan provides for the recapitalisation of the Chinook fleet through the Chinook Capability Sustainment Programme (CSP). Defence is currently progressing the next phase of this work, known as Chinook CSP Tranche 2, which will replace legacy Chinook aircraft and sustain the United Kingdom's Vertical Heavy Lift capability beyond 2040. This is distinct from Chinook CSP Tranche 1, which is the previously approved procurement of 14 H‑47(ER) aircraft.

Current planning assumptions envisage contractual commitment through SDR30, with deliveries of new Chinook aircraft commencing in the mid-2030s. Initial Operating Capability is expected in the latter part of the 2030s, with further procurement activity supporting the fleet through to at least 2060.

Defence is continuing to refine the requirement and assess options through the programme's assessment phase. The final number of aircraft to be procured, and the associated delivery profile, will be determined through future approvals and force design decisions based on the requirements, threat assessments and the technological changes to have taken place by then.