The eight converted Chinooks will join the existing fleet of 40 RAF Chinook helicopters and will be based at RAF Odiham in Hampshire. They will deliver a significant boost to the UK's operational heavy lift helicopter fleet. Chinooks are a key battle winning capability. The first helicopters are expected to be operational in 2009.

Defence Secretary Des Browne said:

"Helicopters play a vital role in supporting our operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. That is why we are taking measures to make more helicopters available to operations as quickly as possible."

The contract between MOD and Boeing was signed on Friday 14 December 2007. The overall cost to the defence budget to modify these helicopters is expected to be £90.1 million of which £62 million is the contract with Boeing. Design work will take place at Boeing in Philadelphia and modification work will be done by QinetiQ at Boscombe Down in Wiltshire.

Chinook helicopters can carry up to 55 troops or 10 tonnes of freight, and can be used for search and rescue or casualty evacuation. It can safely land and lift off again from water. It can carry up to five Land Rovers (two internal and three as under slung loads) and with a twin rotor design it is one of the few helicopters that can carry a 'payload' equivalent to its own weight.

Chinooks are highly capable and versatile helicopters that cope well with many diverse environments, including the harsh conditions in Afghanistan.