It has taken the Ministry of Defence almost four years to recognise the impact on operations that the lack of helicopters has had with severe pressure put on politicians after soldier’s deaths have been blamed for the shortages.
It is hoped to build up the Chinook fleet from the current 38 to about 70 allowing the possibility of almost doubling the numbers of aircraft currently in Afghanistan to 20.
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The purchase represents a "seismic shift" of the military helicopter fleet that will cancel competition to buy 120 medium lift helicopters under a plan known as Vision 2020.
'Vision 2020 could be sanctioned by ministers as early as this month and a deal signed with Boeing in time to beat next year's deadline of a general election, followed by a strategic defense review,' a defence source said.
The MoD is said to have abandoned a competition for a new medium lift helicopter in favour of the Chinooks because the aircraft is "already out there and meeting our demands in theatre".
"The Chinook has proven its capabilities and the most expedient move is to purchase more but we will need significant numbers to push more into theatre," the defence source said
The change means that the planned expenditure of L3.5 billion on 120 new medium helicopters over the next 10 years is unlikely to go ahead.
By: Brant
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