Israel and US deepen military ties with CH-53K helicopter deal

The Israeli Defense Ministry has signed a contract worth hundreds of millions of dollars with Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, to integrate advanced Israeli mission systems into 12 CH-53K Pere helicopters for the Israeli Air Force.

The agreement, signed by the ministry’s mission to the United States in New York, ensures that the aircraft will meet the IAF’s specific operational requirements.

The CH-53 K helicopters, currently being assembled at Sikorsky’s Connecticut facility, are part of a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) deal with the U.S. government. They will replace the IAF’s aging Sikorsky CH-53 "Yasur" fleet.

Under the new contract, Sikorsky will establish a dedicated production line to modify each aircraft with Israeli-supplied avionics, navigation and electronic warfare systems.

© JNS