Sikorsky will deliver 35 additional CH-53K helicopters, including 12 Lockheed Martin CH-53K for the U.S. Marine Corps Lot 7, 15 for Lot 8 and eight helicopters for the Israeli Air Force.
Sikorsky, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, has clinched a substantial contract worth $2.7 billion from the U.S. Navy. This significant contract is set to facilitate the production and delivery of 35 additional CH-53K helicopters, marking the most extensive procurement for this advanced multi-mission aircraft to date. This comprehensive contract encompasses the production of 12 CH-53K aircraft designated for the U.S. Marine Corps Lot 7, along with 15 aircraft for Lot 8. Additionally, the contract includes the manufacturing of eight helicopters for the Israeli Air Force. Commencement of helicopter deliveries by Sikorsky is anticipated in 2026.
The contract is not only a pivotal step forward for Sikorsky but also represents a significant advancement for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps as they progress towards a multi-year agreement and the realization of the Marine Corps Program of Record, which encompasses a total of 200 CH-53K helicopters.
Beyond the U.S. Marine Corps acquisition, this contract encompasses the provision of eight more CH-53K helicopters destined for the Israeli Air Force. This follows the initial production announcement in 2022 for the first four helicopters under a U.S. Navy Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement. These helicopters are expected to play a crucial role in supporting Israeli special operations programs, enhancing troop and cargo transport, search and rescue capabilities, and various other critical missions.
Paul Lemmo, President, Sikorsky said, “This contract award for 35 CH-53K helicopters stabilizes Sikorsky’s nationwide supply base, creates additional production efficiencies, and provides the U.S. Marine Corps with transformative 21st-century technologies. Our long-standing partnership led to this best value contract award providing the capability and readiness the Marines need.”
The achievement of Full Rate Production for the CH-53K program by the U.S. Navy in December 2022 is a pivotal milestone. This declaration is projected to bolster production to over 20 helicopters annually in the years to come. In preparation for this anticipated increase in production, Sikorsky is proactively procuring long-lead items and essential materials to facilitate the seamless scaling of CH-53K production within its cutting-edge digital factory.
U.S. Marines continue to achieve operational milestones with the CH-53K helicopters. Notably, they have surpassed 1,000 operational flight hours in the CH-53K, successfully concluded a second sea trial, and effectively transferred supplies from a KC-130 aircraft.
“Our skilled employees are using digital tools to build more efficiently as these helicopters roll off the production line and into the hands of the Marines,” said Dana Fiatarone, vice president, Sikorsky Marine Corps Systems. “The performance of the CH-53K in the fleet validates its capabilities to provide a strategic advantage and shows that even more is possible with this aircraft,” he further added.
The CH‑53K stands as a multi-mission helicopter with unparalleled heavy-lift capabilities, surpassing all other rotary wing aircraft within the U.S. Department of Defense. In fact, it remains the sole heavy-lift helicopter expected to remain in production through 2032 and beyond. With a capacity to transport a 27,000-pound external load over 110 nautical miles in high/hot conditions, the CH-53K assumes a critical role in expeditionary assault transport, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Its digitally designed structure facilitates a range of operations, including humanitarian relief, firefighting, and search and rescue efforts.
The CH-53K helicopters not only embody cutting-edge technology and capabilities but also emphasize Sikorsky’s long-standing partnership with the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The substantial investment in this program underscores Sikorsky’s commitment to providing the U.S. and its allies with state-of-the-art helicopters that offer unparalleled performance, versatility, and readiness.
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In summary, Sikorsky’s recent $2.7 billion contract award for 35 additional CH-53K helicopters signifies a momentous development for both the U.S. Marine Corps and the Israeli Air Force. As these advanced helicopters continue to achieve operational milestones and bolster operational capabilities, they solidify their role as a transformative asset in modern defense and military operations.
