Israel Upgrading Its Heavy-Lift Helo Fleet With CH-53K Buy

The Israeli Air Force is replacing its fleet of decades-old CH-53D Yasur helicopters with a dozen CH-53K King Stallions, Lockheed Martin said.

Kimberly Johnson

Monday, February 21, 2022 at 03:12 PM ET

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An artist rendering of a CH-53K helicopter for Israel. [Courtesy: Lockheed Martin]

Key Takeaways:

Israel has become the first international customer for Lockheed Martin's CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopters, ordering 12 aircraft with an option for an additional six, to replace its aging fleet starting in 2025.
The CH-53K is also being developed and produced for the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) as a replacement for the CH-53E, with deliveries already underway and first fleet deployment planned for Fiscal Year 2024.
The new helicopter offers advanced heavy-lift capabilities, improved safety in low visibility environments, and is expected to reduce maintenance costs and increase readiness through its Integrated Vehicle Health Management System.

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Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) is set to produce the first four CH-53K King Stallion helicopters recently ordered by Israel to upgrade its fleet of aging heavy-lift helicopters, the company said.

Under the purchase deal signed in late December, Israel ordered 12 of the CH-53K heavy lift helicopters built by Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky Aircraft, making the country the first international customer for the new aircraft.