Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 42 of his Department's Defence Investment Plan, published on 30 June 2026, how many Mk6A Chinooks will be retired and how many newer Chinooks will be purchased.

The Defence Investment Plan provides for the recapitalisation of the Chinook fleet through the Chinook Capability Sustainment Programme.

Fourteen Chinook Mk6A aircraft are planned to retire, previously agreed in Nov 24. In addition, the Defence Investment Plan confirms the remaining 15 Chinook Mk6A aircraft will be retired from 2026 onwards. Subsequent recapitalisation will be via Chinook Capability Sustainment Programme Tranche 2 from the early 2030s. Fourteen H‑47(Extended Range) aircraft are already being procured under the previously approved Chinook Capability Sustainment Programme Tranche 1.

Final decisions on the quantity of aircraft to be procured through Tranche 2, based on technological advances, threats and requirements, have not yet been taken and remain subject to the programme's approvals process.