Boeing has been awarded a substantial $877.7-million US Department of Defense contract to supply more MH-47G Special Operations helicopters to USSOCOM. The contract involves major production activities at Boeing’s Ridley Park, Pennsylvania facility and is set to run through November 2030. This long-term commitment highlights Boeing’s critical role in delivering next-generation rotary-wing capabilities to US special operations forces.
The award follows a $240-million contract issued earlier this year, which funded the production of five MH-47G aircraft scheduled for delivery beginning in 2027. With the addition of the new order, USSOCOM’s acquisition strategy now covers 51 MH-47G units, signaling increasing investment in heavy-lift platforms tailored for complex and covert missions.
The MH-47G is a specialized evolution of the CH-47 Chinook, designed for demanding special operations missions, including infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply in hostile regions. Its configuration includes advanced avionics, aerial refueling capability, improved navigation systems, and modular mission kits. The helicopter supports a five-member crew and accommodates up to 30 personnel or 10,000 pounds of equipment.
Equipped with Honeywell T55-GA-714A engines, the aircraft boasts a 170-knot top speed, 500-nautical-mile range, and operational ceiling of 20,000 feet. For battlefield survivability, the MH-47G can be armed with 7.62mm machine guns, and fitted with laser threat detectors, electronic countermeasures, and spectral flare systems, ensuring effective protection in contested environments.
