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, ordering 12 heavy-lift helicopters to replace its aging fleet, with deliveries set to begin in 2025.
The CH-53K is also being produced for the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) as a replacement for their CH-53E Super Stallion, with production underway and initial operational testing nearing completion.
The new helicopter offers advanced capabilities, including significant heavy-lift capacity (nearly 14 tons), enhanced safety and maneuverability, and an Integrated Vehicle Health Management System (IVHMS) designed to reduce maintenance and increase aircraft readiness for both Israeli and USMC operations.

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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.