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The Chinook CH-47 transport helicopter – here a model of the Japanese Air Force in training
Photo: Tomohiro Ohsumi/POOL/EPA
The Bundeswehr is to receive 100 billion euros as a special fund.
Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht (SPD) is already pushing the rearmament forward.
Accordingly, the Bundeswehr is to be equipped with the Boeing Chinook CH-47 heavy transport helicopter.
Lambrecht has decided to initiate the procurement of 60 of the helicopters with air refueling capability, according to a briefing from the ministry to the representatives of the responsible Bundestag committee, which SPIEGEL has seen.
Around five billion euros from the 100 billion package for the Bundeswehr are estimated for the purchase.
In the past, military planners had pointed out the advantages of the model, which is to be operated in conjunction with Airbus.
Many NATO partners use the helicopter - the Netherlands, Spain, Great Britain, Italy, Greece, the USA, Canada and Turkey.
This enables a broad cooperation.
"In the assessment, it was particularly important that priority was given to the cooperation potential for European integration and the choice of a proven, marketable model for risk minimization," says the information.
According to the military, there are hardly any restrictions on dust landings for the Chinook, as they are necessary in Africa.
Boeing has said it can deliver the model with aerial refueling capability.
This is necessary for long-distance flights.
The competing US defense company Lockheed Martin had offered the CH-53K model.
However, of Germany's partners, only the USA and Israel are currently using the machine.
It can carry higher external loads, such as may be necessary when moving soldiers from ships to land.
Lockheed Martin had offered to work with Rheinmetall on the offer.
mrc/als/mgb/dpa
