While I think it is foolish for Germany to have largely ignored having a serious attack helicopter for so long, 60 Chinooks is a huge investment in a platform that can launch 12,500*60 kilograms of drones (that is ~3000 Rusty Dagger cruise missiles for reference) while operating out of mobile resupply points not tied down to static assets that are existentially vulnerable to overwhelming pre-emptive strikes or sabotage.
Additionally these Chinooks are just as useful during peacetime for wildfire fighting (also see and in Germany), disaster response and search and rescue among other tasks unlike the vast majority of other tools of war.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8xypKsmeZlk
This is a major deterrance against russia as unless Germany puts all their Chinooks in one basket that never moves there is no way russia can ensure they can destroy or subdue such a massive, unpredictable, mobile interceptor and long range strike drone launch capability during a crucial window of surprise attack.
https://theaviationist.com/2025/05/15/raf-fpv-quadcopter-from-chinook/
Because Europe has largely failed to understand the role and utility of helicopters in modern war until quite recently, the US military or at least army has never doubted it so shrugs I mean maybe russia will sell you some heavy lift helicopters if you want an alternative…
Otherwise your choice are CH53K’s (also american) or the not yet back in production Bell 214ST and Bell 525 which is american but also now australian for 214st.
Also Airbus H225M but isn’t in the same lift class.
The AW101 seems like a decent UK/Italy alternative. Also Super Puma/H215.