"The Government has now approved the details of this procurement, announced in last year's White Paper, which will replace the existing fleet of six CH-47D Chinooks," Senator Faulkner said.
Senator Faulkner described the existing Chinook helicopters as the mainstay of the ADF's deployable medium-lift helicopter capability.
He said the Chinook was an exceptionally versatile aircraft, capable of performing a wide range of roles, including moving combat units into battle, carrying out frontline aero-medical evacuation and performing a vital role in disaster relief.
"Capability and support issues in the current Chinook helicopters will be addressed with the acquisition of the new model aircraft, which will bring safety, supportability and operational benefits to the ADF," Senator Faulkner said.
Senator Faulkner said the new aircraft would be procured and maintained in the same broad configuration as the US Army Chinooks, the principal CH-47F operator.
This will provide enhanced benefits to the ADF in areas including spares, support, training and airworthiness.
The Government will consider whether to participate in the US Chinook Product Improvement Program when information on this program is of second pass quality.
Participation in this program would align the configuration of Australian Chinooks with future US Army Chinooks.
The new aircraft will be procured under Project AIR 9000 Phase 5C.
They will be based at Townsville, where the existing CH-47Ds are operated by ‘C-Squadron' of Army's 5th Aviation Regiment.
The first two aircraft are planned to enter service in 2014, with all seven in service by 2017.
"As with the current Chinook fleet, Australian industry will have the opportunity to support the new helicopters as part of through-life support arrangements," Senator Faulkner said.