Contract awarded for first IAF King Stallions
Almost a year ago, on 25 February 2021, an official press release mentioned that Israeli Defence Minister Gantz accepted the recommendations presented by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) Chiefs of the General Staff to select the CH-53K as the new heavy-lift helicopter.
On 15 February 2022, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford (CT) was awarded a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) USD372 million fixed-price incentive (firm-target) modification to a previously awarded contract.
This modification exercises an option for the production and delivery of four Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP), Lot 6, CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopters as well as associated aircraft programmatic and logistical support for the government of Israel. All work is expected to be completed in November 2025.
Late December 2021, Israel reached a deal to buy twelve Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallions. The new helicopters will succeed the CH-53D Yasur currently operated by the Heyl Ha'Avir (IAF, Israeli Air Force).
Image by Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.