Israel’s Ministry of Defense has finalized a significant contract with Sikorsky to customize a fleet of 12 CH-53K “Pere” helicopters for the Israeli Air Force (IAF). This agreement, valued at hundreds of millions of dollars, involves integrating specialized mission systems and equipment tailored specifically to the needs and specifications of the IAF. To facilitate this, Sikorsky has committed to establishing a dedicated production line that will focus exclusively on modifying each aircraft to meet the IAF’s requirements.
As part of a broader $2 billion foreign military sales agreement from the United States in 2021, the CH-53K helicopters are being assembled at Sikorsky’s headquarters in Stratford, Connecticut. This acquisition aims to replace Israel’s aging fleet of CH-53 Yas’ur helicopters, which have been in service since 1969. The new helicopters are set to bolster the IAF’s capabilities in various operational areas, including special operations, cargo transport, and search-and-rescue missions.
Known as the “King Stallion,” the Sikorsky CH-53K helicopters are currently in use with the US Marine Corps and are lauded for their heavy-lift capabilities. They are engineered to transport substantial loads of equipment, troops, and supplies across long distances and in diverse environmental conditions, including those with limited visibility.
The design features of the CH-53K contribute to its operational effectiveness, including a cabin that is 12 inches wider than previous models. It possesses a remarkable payload capacity of 36,000 pounds, which allows it to carry a variety of equipment, including the US Army’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle. The aircraft is built with a composite airframe and an armored cockpit, coupled with a fly-by-wire flight control system that enhances survivability during missions.
Powering the CH-53K are T408 engines from General Electric Aviation, which both the US and Israel have ordered as part of their military collaboration in 2023. This new acquisition marks a significant advancement in Israel’s aerial capabilities, further modernizing its defense operations.
