The first tranche of the £2.8bn Chinook Capability Sustainment programme to deliver 14 new build heavy assault Chinook helicopters remains on course to deliver Initial Operating Capability in 2029 and Full Operating Capability in October 2030.
These new aircraft will significantly enhance long-range lift capabilities for Special Forces. Additionally, training of UK aircrew instructors in the United States began in August 2025, preparing crews ahead of aircraft arrival and frontline integration.
The upgraded Chinooks will feature advanced avionics, extended fuel range, and improved survivability, and are intended to replace the oldest aircraft in the current fleet, ensuring continued operational effectiveness well into the 2040s.
P3C lead consultant has been contracted to establish and Lead the Programme Management Office and to provide support and guidance to the Programme & project Managers. In addition, P3C will conduct a technical review of current working practices to improve Programme delivery, other tasks include:
- Governance, Cost Control & RAIDO
- Pan Defence Lines Of Development (DLOD)Programme Management across Front Line Commands (FLCs), Defence Digital (DD) and Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S)
- Key Stakeholder Engagement, including leading US government Working Groups