Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox visited RAF Odiham to announce the purchase of 14 new Chinook helicopters.
The deal with US manufacturer Boeing will bring the overall number of UK Chinooks to 60, increasing what was already Europe's biggest force. Dr Fox was given a tour of the existing Chinooks and spoke to crews who had recently returned from active service in Afghanistan.
The new Chinook contract is valued at £1bn, including development, manufacture, and the first five years of support for the new Chinooks. Dr Fox said: "This Government is committed to delivering a top class equipment programme that is properly funded. By committing to increased funding, greater efficiencies and changes to our defence equipment programme, we have brought reality to the defence budget and can start signing contracts that will deliver real equipment.
"From the Falkland Islands to Iraq and Afghanistan, the RAF has operated Chinooks magnificently for many years in the most demanding environments. These additional helicopters will significantly enhance our existing heavy lift helicopter capability, supporting our front line troops in current and future operations for decades to come."
The Chinook can transport up to 40 men or 10 tons of cargo, and provides support to front line services in Afghanistan. The new, Mark 6 aircraft will feature a digital flight control system, which the MoD said would make them easier to operate in the most difficult conditions.
The first aircraft will be received by the RAf for trials and testing in 2013 and enter service the following year. Delivery of the final helicopter will be by the end of 2015. Three helicopters will be ready for operational deployment in early 2015, and all fourteen will be fully operational by early 2017.
The chief of the air staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, said: "Chinook is an exceptionally capable helicopter that in the hands of the very skilful RAF crews has proved itself time and again in many operational theatres across the globe and is the backbone of the Royal Air Force's helicopter fleet.
"This procurement will significantly enhance our battlefield helicopter capability and, alongside our other rotary wing platforms, the additional Chinooks will sustain the RAF's world-renowned support helicopter capability. This procurement will cement the role of the RAF's highly professional and committed support helicopter aircrew and ground crew at the heart of delivering decisive air power."
