64th Helicopter Wing in Germany Reorganized to Accommodate New Chinook Helicopters

The German Air Force has reorganized the 64th Helicopter Wing (HSG 64) and moved its command to Schönewalde/Holzdorf Air Base in Brandenburg.

The German media outlet Sicherheit & Verteidigung reported this.

As part of the reorganization, the wing’s headquarters, as well as its flight and technical units, moved from Laupheim to Brandenburg.

These changes are part of preparations to introduce the CH-47F Chinook Block II SR AAR heavy transport helicopters into service.

The German Air Force is restructuring its helicopter units ahead of the new helicopters’ first flights, scheduled for fall 2027.

The internal structure of HSG 64 Air Wing calls for three squadrons, two of which will handle air transport. The third squadron will conduct search-and-rescue missions for troops.

At the same time, construction is underway at the Holzdorf Air Base, where 47 ordered CH-47F helicopters are scheduled to be stationed.

The bulk of the construction work at the air base is expected to be completed by 2030, and the new hangars and infrastructure will be ready by the end of 2026.

CH-47F Chinook Block II

The CH-47F Chinook Block II heavy-lift transport helicopter, in the SR AAR (Special Operations / Short Range Air-to-Air Refueling) configuration, is designed to provide high payload capacity and flight range in high-risk environments.

The updated Block II version features a reinforced airframe, more powerful Honeywell T55-GA-714A engines, and a modernized transmission. Adding an in-flight refueling boom and a fuel management system significantly extends the helicopter’s operational radius and mission duration without intermediate landings.

The SR AAR variant is designed to meet the specific needs of special operations units and provide logistical support in challenging environments. The helicopter is equipped with a state-of-the-art digital cockpit based on the CAAS (Common Avionics Architecture System) architecture, an enhanced onboard air defense system, and improved ACRB composite rotor blades.

In total, Germany is purchasing 60 Chinook helicopters to replace its aging fleet of CH-53s, and production has been underway at Boeing’s Philadelphia plant since May 2025.