Boeing

The Boeing Company [NYSE:BA] announced today a production preparation agreement with the Defense Materiel Organization of the Dutch ministry of Defense for the possible purchase of Chinook helicopters. The agreement provides for the planning and long-lead activities that will support production and will include the procurement of new CH-47F Chinooks with an option for additional aircraft and modernization kits for the current fleet of 11 Dutch CH-47Ds.

"This preliminary agreement exemplifies the Royal Netherlands Air Force's commitment to the Chinook's value and versatility," said Jack Dougherty, director, Chinook programs." From military operations to humanitarian relief efforts, the Chinook can do it all."

Boeing and the Defense Materiel Organization intend to execute the full production contract in 2006, with aircraft deliveries planned to begin in 2008. The new aircraft will feature an improved Honeywell cockpit configuration, improved situational awareness and survivability features along with a modernized airframe. The RNLAF Chinook fleet serves with the 298 Squadron based at Soesterberg Air Force Base and supports the Dutch Air Mobile Brigade and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) operations.