The Israeli government has signed an agreement for the procurement of 12 CH-53K helicopters to be manufactured by Sikorsky, the Lockheed Martin subsidiary. The contract includes an option for another six.
The list of special systems is classified, but two systems were mentioned during the negotiations: a special Israeli-developed EW system and a new, highly advanced pilot helmet to be developed by Elbit Systems, a leading supplier of pilot helmets.
The first heavy helicopters are expected to be delivered to the IAF in 2026.
Talks are underway to streamline the way the Israeli systems will be installed in the production line.
Some of the systems will be installed in Israel after the helicopters arrive, but the U.S. company will be asked to make the necessary changes to facilitate the installation of the systems in Israel.
The Government of Israel has requested to buy up to eighteen CH-53K Heavy Lift Helicopters; up to sixty T408-GE-400 Engines (54 installed, 6 spares); and up to thirty-six Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation Systems (EGI) with Selective Availability/Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM). Also included is communication equipment; GAU-21 .50 caliber Machine Guns; a Mission Planning System; facilities study, design, and construction; spare and repair parts; support and test equipment; publications and technical documentation; aircrew and maintenance training; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The total estimated cost is $2.4 billion USD.
The acquisition will improve the IAF’s capability to transport armored vehicles, personnel, and equipment to support distributed operations. Israel will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense.
The Israeli Air Force has selected the CH-53K as the replacement for its old CH-53. The selection was made after a competition with the Boeing CH-47.