Germany has received clearance from the U.S. government to import 60 Boeing CH-47F Block II helicopters selected last June. 

The CH-47F helicopters will come with Honeywell T-55-714A turboshaft engines, AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems and APR-39C(V)1 radar warning receivers, the Defense Security and Cooperation Agency says in a May 11 notice to Congress. 

The total package, including spares, training and logistics support, is worth an estimated $8.5 billion, although the DSCA notice notes that this represents a highest estimated dollar value. The actual value will be lower depending on final requirements and budget authority if the sales agreement is concluded. 

Germany chose the CH-47F Block II over the Sikorsky CH-53K to replace a fleet of CH-53Gs, offering Boeing’s assembly line in Philadelphia a lifeline as the U.S. Army continues to seek minimal annual orders. 

The deal originally was scheduled to be concluded earlier this year, but negotiations over pricing and the configuration were extended.

Boeing’s industrial team for the program in Germany includes Aero-Bildung, Airbus, CAE, ESG, Honeywell, Lufthansa Technik and Rolls-Royce.