Lockheed Martin company Sikorsky has delivered two additional CH‑53K King Stallion helicopters to the US Marine Corps, boosting the service’s heavy‑lift capacity for troops and equipment.
Each helicopter can carry a payload of up to 36,000 pounds (16,329 kilograms), allowing marines to transport heavy equipment, supplies, and personnel over longer distances and in fewer trips than any other rotorcraft in service.
Built with advanced composite materials, a wider cargo cabin, and a fully digital fly‑by‑wire flight control system, the CH‑53K combines strength and modern avionics to meet expeditionary and maritime operational requirements.
The US Marine Corps approved the full-rate production of this helicopter in December 2022 after a series of assessments, live-fire tests, and production readiness reviews.
Sikorsky’s US Military Deliveries
The latest delivery followed a $10.9-billion contract signed in September 2025 that will see Sikorsky provide 99 CH-53Ks to the US Marine Corps by 2034.
Beyond the CH‑53K, Sikorsky has secured major contracts to supply the US military with a range of helicopters.
The company reached a milestone with its MH‑60R Seahawk, delivering the US Navy’s 350th aircraft in January 2026. This platform plays a central role in anti‑submarine and anti‑surface warfare missions.
On the medium-lift side, Sikorsky continues producing UH‑60M Black Hawk helicopters.
In November 2024, it received a $1.24-billion contract for foreign military sales to countries including Australia, Brazil, Greece, and Thailand.
