Egypt to Upgrade Inshas Airbase for New CH-47F Chinooks
A multi-million dollar project to prepare Inshas base for the new helicopters is expected to take about 30 months. The U.S. has approved the sale, with delivery set to begin in 2026
Photo: Sgt. Steven Galimore - US Army
The Egyptian Air Force plans to designate the Inshas Airbase to receive 12 new CH-47F Chinook helicopters, purchased from Boeing.
This extensive project, estimated to cost between $25 million and $100 million, includes construction and preparations at the base to accommodate the new helicopters. The preparatory work is expected to last about 30 months. The Inshas base will undergo significant construction and upgrade existing facilities to support the new aircraft.
Inshas airbase, located northeast of Cairo, previously served as a site for fighter aircraft. Recently, the base has not received new aircraft, according to a report by Jane's.
The United States has approved the sale of 12 CH-47F helicopters to Egypt, and in January 2023, Boeing received a $426 million contract to produce the helicopters. Delivery is expected to begin in 2026, with Egypt having the option to purchase an additional 11 helicopters.
Egypt began operating Chinook helicopters in the early 1980s. The Egyptian Air Force operates these helicopters with Squadron 18, part of Air Wing 546.
The new CH-47F model offers easier maintenance, an upgraded cockpit, automatic digital flight control, and an advanced cargo management system.
Currently, there are about 20 operators of Chinook helicopters worldwide, with a fleet totaling more than 950 helicopters.
