Israel has awarded Elbit Systems a $130 million contract to integrate domestically developed aviation systems on its future CH-53K Pereh heavy-lift helicopters.
Managed by the Defense Procurement Directorate, the agreement covers the installation of Israeli-made command-and-control systems, avionics, electronic warfare suites, and a directional infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) anti-missile system across 12 aircraft.
The helicopters were acquired from the United States under a 2021 foreign military sales agreement and are currently being manufactured by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, in Connecticut. Once basic assembly is completed, the aircraft will move to a dedicated integration line to receive configurations tailored to Israeli operational requirements.
According to Elbit, the upgrades will enhance cockpit functionality, enable operations in complex environments, and improve the detection of safe landing zones and potential obstacles. Sikorsky is scheduled to deliver the CH-53K helicopters to Israel between 2028 and 2030, during which time they will progressively replace the Israeli Air Force’s CH-53 Yas’ur fleet, which has been in service since the 1960s.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the contract as a “major milestone” for the Israeli Air Force.
The CH-53K, known as the King Stallion, measures 99 feet in length and can carry up to 30 passengers or a payload of approximately 35,000 pounds. Powered by three General Electric T408 engines producing 7,500 horsepower each, the helicopter has a range of 460 nautical miles, an operational ceiling of 16,000 feet, and a maximum speed of 170 knots.
