The multi-year agreement combines five separate production lots (Lots 9–13) into a single procurement, allowing for improved cost control and supply chain stability. It also enables the U.S. Government to use the contract for international orders in addition to the U.S. Marine Corps.
“This award reflects trust and confidence in Sikorsky to deliver these technologically advanced, heavy-lift helicopters that will revolutionize the Marine Corps’ operational capabilities by adding unrivaled power, performance, survivability and dependability to the fleet,” said Rich Benton, Sikorsky vice president and general manager. He added that the contract allows Sikorsky “to partner with the Department of the Navy to drive long-term affordability, optimize production efficiencies and stabilize our supply chain and workforce, ensuring the Marines maintain the strategic advantage with the CH-53K in a rapidly evolving battlespace.”
Sikorsky has delivered 20 CH-53K helicopters so far, with another 63 from earlier production lots currently in various stages of assembly. The company sources parts from 267 suppliers across 37 U.S. states and 17 suppliers from eight countries.
“This contract represents a huge ‘win’ for the entire CH-53K team,” said Colonel Kate Fleeger, Program Manager for the H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopter Program Office (PMA-261). “The contract allows Sikorsky to bundle purchase orders from suppliers to achieve better pricing and pass the savings on to the government, giving us the ability to provide dependable delivery to the fleet and a consistent and predictable timeline for the transition from the CH-53E to the CH-53K.”
The Marine Corps has so far transitioned one operational squadron to the CH-53K and has aircraft in use for developmental testing, operational testing and training purposes. The aircraft is designed to transport troops, equipment and supplies in contested environments and has been in full-rate production since December 2022, with a total programme goal of 200 units.
