Israel has awarded Elbit Systems a $130-million contract to outfit indigenous aviation systems on the country’s future CH-53K Pereh heavy-lift helicopters.
The agreement, led by the Defense Procurement Directorate, covers the installation of domestically-manufactured command-and-control systems, avionics, electronic warfare suites, and a directional infrared countermeasures anti-missile system on 12 airframes.
All helicopters were acquired from the US through a 2021 foreign military sales agreement and are now being built by Lockheed Martin subsidiary Sikorsky in Connecticut.
Once assembled, the aircraft will be transferred to a separate integration line, where they will receive configurations according to Israeli standards.
Elbit said the upgrades will improve cockpit functionality, support flight in complex conditions, and enhance the identification of safe landing zones and obstacles.
Sikorsky is scheduled to deliver the CH-53Ks to Israel from 2028 through 2030. During that period, the platforms will gradually replace the nation’s aging CH-53 Yas’ur fleet in service since the 1960s.
Defense Minister Israel Katz commented on the deal, calling it “a major milestone” for the Israeli Air Force.
“Integrating cutting-edge Israeli systems into the world’s most advanced heavy-lift helicopter ensures these platforms are fully adapted to Israel’s unique combat requirements,” he stated.
“We remain committed to advancing domestic ‘blue-and-white’ defense production and incorporating Israeli industries into strategic programs, ensuring production independence, supply continuity, and operational superiority for our forces.”
The CH-53K System
Sikorsky’s CH-53K, also called the King Stallion, is a 99-foot (30-meter) helicopter with a capacity for up to 30 passengers, or about 35,000 pounds (15,876 kilograms) of payload.
It has a fuel capacity of 2,286 gallons (8,653 liters) and is equipped with three General Electric T408 engines with an output of 7,500 horsepower each.
The aircraft has a range of 460 nautical miles (529 miles/852 kilometers), an operational altitude of 16,000 feet (4,877 meters), and a top speed of 170 knots (196 miles/315 kilometers per hour).
