The U.S. State Department has approved the potential $180 million Foreign Military Sale of Boeing-made CH-47F Chinooks to the government of Australia.

The possible sale includes three Chinooks and supporting equipment, including six T55-GA-714A Aircraft Turbine Engines, three common missile warning systems, three Honeywell H-764 Embedded Global Positioning/Inertial Navigation Systems, and other equipment. The State Department says the Australian government will have no trouble operating the aircraft and integrating it into its armed forces.

State regulators say the sale will enhance foreign policy and national security objectives by improving the capabilities of a strategic partner.

The Boeing-made CH-47F Chinook is an advanced multi-mission helicopter used by the U.S. Army and additional armed forces around the world. The aircraft is designed for heavy-lifting capabilities, transporting troops, artillery, equipment and fuel. It can also be used to support humanitarian and disaster relief operations.

Current modernization programs aim to keep the Chinook in the U.S. Army's fleet through the 2030s.