The defence ministry is buying 14 new Chinook F transport helicopters to replace its aging fleet of 11 Chinook Ds.

In addition, the six relatively new Chinook Fs already being flown by the airforce will most likely be given a face-lift. A decision on this will be made later this year, the Telegraaf reports.

The ministry will receive the new Chinooks in 2019 at a cost of €840m, a sum which is compatible with the agreed defence budget.

The purchase is being done via the US government in a production deal with manufacturers Boeing, giving the Netherlands the advantage of an economy of scale, the Telegraaf says.

The final contract is due to be signed in December.