The Israeli Ministry of Defense signed on Thursday (30) a contract for the acquisition of 12 Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion heavy helicopters and an additional contract for two Boeing KC-46A Pegasus tank planes. The deal is estimated at US$ 3.1 billion.
According to Ministry, the acquisition of aircraft is part of a portfolio program to strengthen the capabilities of the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) “and preparing to address current and evolving threats.” The contract also includes the option for an additional six helicopters.
The procurement of these platforms is part of a wider MOD program to strengthen the capabilities of the IDF and preparedness to face current and developing threats.
—Ministry of Defense (@Israel_MOD) December 31, 2021
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Israel's first CH-53Ks are expected to arrive in the country in 2026. Speaking about the KC-46s, Brigadier General Shimon Tsentsiper, the Air Force's chief of materiel, told Israel Army Radio that the in-flight refueling planes ( REVO) ordered would not be delivered before 2025.
The Israeli Government has been requesting the early delivery of new refuelers. However, Washington rejected your partner's request. Based on the 767, the KC-46 is the new US REVO platform, expected to replace the KC-135 Stratotanker and KC-10 Extender. The aircraft is seen as a strategically critical means for a possible Israeli strike against Iran, which has been growing stronger in its nuclear endeavor.
Israel is looking to acquire a total of four KC-46s, having received approval to acquire up to eight of these planes. In the IAF (Israeli Air Force), the KC-46A is expected to replace the old KC-707 Re'em, operated by the 120th Squadron 'Desert Giants', based at Nevatim Air Base. According to the portal Flightglobal, the Israeli Air Force has seven of these aircraft in service.
The CH-53K replaces the CH-53 Sea Stallion, called Ya'sur by the Israelis. The aircraft has been in service with the IAF since 1969, making it one of the organization's most important helicopters.
Joshua (Shiki) Shani, chief executive of Lockheed Martin Israel, said the company “remains committed to ing the Israeli Air Force and providing them with the premier heavy lift helicopter for their critical missions, which will help strengthen Israel's national security for decades to come. We are confident that the CH-53K helicopter, designed and built by Lockheed Martin, is the most capable, efficient and reliable solution to meet the IAF's needs. ”
