US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) placed a huge order from Boeing to strengthen the MH-47G Chinook Block II family. This order, placed on November 20, 2025, is valued at $877,742,891 and is intended to consolidate its role as the main heavy attack helicopter for the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (160th SOAR). The contract is organized to cover operations at MacDill Air Force Base until November 2030 and aims to update its existing fleet by remanufacturing it to the Block II configuration.
This procurement process forms part of a broad modernization program that includes both new production and conversion of existing MH-47G helicopters to the Block II standard. The majority of operations for the duration of the contract will be focused on MacDill for approx.
Ongoing Modernization and Deliveries
The new order represents a consistent extension to an ongoing indefinite delivery/quantity contract valued at $26.9 million that began in July 2018.
First Delivery:In the process that started in 2019, it was noted that the first Block II helicopter was delivered to the US Special Operations Command in September 2020, following the previous contract worth 194 million dollars.
Latest Orders:In December 2023, USASOAC awarded a $271 million deal for 6 remanufactured MH-47G Block II; In March 2025, a $240 million contract was signed for 5 remanufactured helicopters. It was announced that with these orders, the total number of MH-47G Block II supplied and planned reached 51. USASOAC’s entire Chinook fleet is targeted to be completed by 2030 with this modernization process.
MH-47G Chinook: Special Operations Heavy Workhorse
The MH-47G stands out as the most advanced version of the original CH-47 Chinook, upgraded for special operations needs. G variant evolving from the MH-47D and MH-47E models; improved structure, additional fuel tanks for long rangeAnd more powerful enginesIt attracts attention with improvements such as. Moreover enhanced avionics systemsand has configurations that strengthen the evacuation, supply and mobility capabilities of special units. The MH-47G stands out as the only US Army helicopter capable of sustaining operations even in high altitude terrain in Afghanistan. It also provides logistics flexibility by maintaining loading capacity via the rear ramp and plays a critical role in complex areas as an airborne command-control node.
