German Air Force Reorganizes Wing for New Chinook Helicopters

The German Air Force is restructuring its 64th Helicopter Wing (HSG 64) to prepare for the introduction of new CH-47F Chinook Block II SR AAR helicopters. The wing’s headquarters and key units have been relocated from Laupheim to Schönewalde/Holzdorf Air Base in Brandenburg, as reported by Sicherheit & Verteidigung. This reorganization is part of broader preparations for the helicopters' first flights, scheduled for fall 2027.

The HSG 64 Air Wing will consist of three squadrons. Two will focus on air transport, while the third will handle search-and-rescue missions for troops. Meanwhile, construction is underway at Holzdorf Air Base to accommodate the 47 ordered CH-47F helicopters, with completion expected by 2030. The new hangars and infrastructure are slated to be ready by the end of 2026.

The CH-47F Chinook Block II SR AAR is designed for high payload capacity and extended flight range in high-risk environments. Key features include a reinforced airframe, upgraded Honeywell T55-GA-714A engines, and a modernized transmission. The helicopter also includes an in-flight refueling boom, a fuel management system, and advanced avionics based on the Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS).

Germany is acquiring a total of 60 Chinook helicopters to replace its aging CH-53 fleet. Production of these helicopters began at Boeing’s Philadelphia plant in May 2025.