Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin business, has secured a contract from Israel’s Ministry of Defense to modify 12 CH-53K Pere helicopters, integrating systems used by the Israeli Air Force. Once completed and delivered, the aircraft will replace the nation’s Yas’ur heavy transport fleet.
According to the ministry, the CH-53Ks are already at Sikorsky’s Stratford, Connecticut, facility. The aircraft will undergo modifications after the contractor completes building the production line dedicated to the project.
The order, a transaction under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program, was sealed years ago but only publicly disclosed Monday.
The CH-53K is a land and sea-based logistics connector, lifting warfighters and heavy equipment from ship to shore. Its cabin can carry 463-liter pallets and high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles. With its features and capabilities, Lockheed said the aircraft offers improved reliability and survivability, an “ideal choice for transporting more cargo or troops with fewer trips.”
The contract marks Sikorsky’s second contract in March. Earlier, it received an award from Australia to provide maintenance services to support the Australian Defence Force’s MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, a deal expected to ensure the fleets’ combat readiness.