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 Lockheed Martin CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopters, becoming the first international customer, with deliveries starting in 2025 to upgrade its aging fleet.
The CH-53K is also being produced for the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) as a heavy-lift replacement, with production underway and first fleet deployment planned for Fiscal Year 2024.
The helicopter boasts advanced capabilities, including a 14-ton lift capacity, operation in low visibility environments, and an Integrated Vehicle Health Management System for improved maintenance and 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.