New tandem-rotor helicopters modernise and expand Australia’s medium- and heavy-lift capabilities.

At a ceremony yesterday at Royal Australian Air Force Base Townsville in northern Queensland, Australia commissioned their first two Boeing [NYSE: BA] CH-47F Chinook advanced configuration aircraft. It’s a major milestone in the updating of the Australian Army’s cargo helicopter fleet.

The acquisition is part of an ongoing transformation that’s allowing Australia to build one of the world’s newest and most technologically advanced armed forces. Five additional new Chinooks will be delivered this year, eventually replacing an existing fleet of six older CH-47D Chinooks.

“The outgoing CH-47D Chinooks have proved highly effective in Australian operations, and the new CH-47F Chinook will deliver an improved cargo helicopter for Australia’s Army,” said Rear Admiral Tony Dalton of Australia’s Defence Materiel Organisation. “Furthermore, the project to deliver the new Chinooks remains on schedule and under budget.”

Australia was among the Chinook’s first international customers and now there are almost twenty countries operating the helicopter.

“Working with our Australian allies to build a modernised Chinook fleet enables more seamless operations with U.S. and other forces,” said Col. Robert Barrie, project manager, U.S. Army Cargo Helicopter Office.

“The Australian Army values the features and capabilities of the advanced CH?47F Chinook and we delivered them as promised,” said Steve Parker, Boeing vice president, Cargo Helicopters and H-47 program manager. “These aircraft will meet their demanding mission requirements now and well into the future.”

The Australian Chinook fleet is flown by the Army’s 5th Aviation Regiment, 16th Aviation Brigade. Under the scope of the contract, Boeing Defence Australia will provide delivery and on-site operational maintenance support to the seven aircraft.

Boeing press release