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Chinook Helicopters

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 20 October 2025UIN 79694

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many RAF Chinook (a) HC5, (b) HC6 and (c) HC6A variants are in service.

Answered by Luke Pollard

There are currently eight HC5, 14 HC6 and 29 HC6A Chinook variants in service.

I am withholding the information relating to the remaining lifespan of each Chinook airframe in service as its disclosure would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.

I can, however, reemphasise that the retirement of the 14 oldest Chinook helicopters will be synchronised with the delivery of 14 new state-of-the-art Chinook H-47 Extended Range aircraft from 2027 onwards.

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