With the introduction of the new Air Mobile Brigade of the Royal Netherlands Army the then operational fleet of Bo-105's and Alouette III's were incapable of supporting this new unit. An extensive upgrade of the Dutch helicopter force was needed and the introduction of three new types to the newly formed Tactical Helicopter Group was realised: the AS532 Cougar - medium transport, the AH-64D Apache - attack helicopter and the CH-47D Chinook for the heavy transport role.

An order for 13 CH-47's was placed in 1993 comprising a mixture of 6 newly build and 7 ex Canadian CH-47's, all being reworked to the same standard. First delivery took place in 1995 to the 298 Squadron based at Soesterberg Air Base.

The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is a versatile, twin-engine, tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter. Its top speed of 170 knots (315 km/h) is faster than most utility and attack helicopters of today. Its primary roles include troop movement, artillery emplacement and battlefield resupply a secondary role is one of firefighting with the so-called Bambi Bucket. There is a wide loading ramp at the rear of the fuselage and three external-cargo hooks. Powered by two T55-GA-714A With its triple-hook cargo system, the CH-47D can carry heavy payloads internally and up to 26,000 pounds (10,615 kg) externally, at speeds over 155 mph (250 km/h).

The CH-47's of the Royal Netherlands Air Force proved a valuable asset in conjunction with the Air Mobile Brigade and in support of various UN missions around the globe. Currently the 298 Squadron is extremely heavily tasked in support of the Dutch and NATO forces in Afghanistan. With the non combat losses in Afghanistan in 2005 of two Chinooks in just more than 3 months this became even harder. This resulted in an extra order of 6 CH-47F's in 2007. Two attrition replacements for the lost D-104 and D-105 and 4 extra which will probably be fitted with a Special Forces suit to support the Dutch Special Forces and Marines.

The CH-47F is designed to extend the service life of the Chinook class beyond 2030. With new 4,868 shaft horsepower Honeywell engines, improved digital avionics, and an upgraded airframe with larger single-piece sections to reduce part count and need for fasteners, a reduced need for inspections and repairs, and reduced maintenance costs. It is also expected to increase service life.

Introduction of the first CH-47F for the Royal Netherlands Air Force is planned for 2010. After deliveries are finished the remaining D-models undergo extensive upgrades to bring the entire fleet to one standard.