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 ordered 12 CH-53K King Stallion helicopters from Lockheed Martin, becoming the first international customer for the new heavy-lift aircraft, with deliveries set to begin in 2025 to replace its aging fleet.
The CH-53K is also being produced for the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) as a sea-based, long-range replacement for its CH-53E Super Stallion, with initial fleet deployment planned for Fiscal Year 2024.
Designed for heavy-lift logistics, the CH-53K can lift nearly 14 tons, offers advanced capabilities for maneuvering in low visibility, and features an Integrated Vehicle Health Management System to reduce maintenance costs and increase readiness.

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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.