The Government of Israel acquired four more CH-53K King Stallion heavy transport helicopters. The additional purchase is a contract modification, valued at $372 million.
The four helicopters were an option in a larger contract signed in December, where the country acquired 12 helicopters and two KC-46 Pegasus tankers.
According to Department of Defense, the aircraft manufactured by Sikorsky will be from Lot 6, coming from the initial low cadence production (LRIP). Manufacturing of the aircraft is expected to be completed in 2025 and will be managed by the US Navy's Naval Air Systems Command.
In July 2021, the US State Department approved the sale of 18 CH-53K King Stallion helicopters worth $3,4 billion to Israel. The Israeli Ministry of Defense had already announced in February 2021 that it chose the CH-53K as its new heavy helicopter, to the detriment of Boeing's CH-47 Chinook. The King Stallion will replace the Air Force's aging CH-53D Ya'sur, which already has 50 years of service.
The CH-53K King Stallion can carry 12,2 tonnes internally or 16,3 tonnes of cargo externally. The CH-53K also has 63% fewer parts than the CH-53E, making it easier to maintain in harsh conditions. In September 2021, the new helicopter completed its first real mission, being used to rescue another helicopter crashed into a mountain.
