Tel Aviv: The Israel Ministry of Defence (IMOD) signed a contract worth hundreds of millions of dollars with Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, to integrate unique mission systems and equipment required by the Israeli Air Force (IAF) into 12 CH-53K “Pere” helicopters. The contract was signed by the IMOD Mission to the United States in New York City.
Assembly of all 12 CH-53K aircraft for Israel is currently underway at Sikorsky headquarters in Stratford, Connecticut, USA, as part of a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract signed between the IMOD and the US Government several years ago. The 12 new CH-53K helicopters are set to replace the IAF “Yas’ur” helicopters.
Under the signed mission systems contract, Sikorsky will build a separate production line exclusively to modify each aircraft from the standard US Marine Corps configuration to the rigorous operational mission requirements specified by the IAF. Additionally, Sikorsky will integrate avionics, navigation systems, and electronic warfare suites supplied by the IMOD.
Last year, the IAF has updated the list of special Israeli developed systems to be installed in its new CH-53K helicopters.
The Israeli government has signed an agreement for the procurement of 12 CH-53K to be manufactured by Sikorsky the Lockheed Martin subsidiary. The contract includes option for another six.
The list of special systems are classified but two systems were mentioned during the negotiations – a special Israeli developed EW systems and a new advanced pilot helmet to be developed by Elbit Systems, a leading supplier of pilot helmets.
The first batch of heavy helicopters are expected to be delivered to the IAF in 2028. Talks are underway to streamline the way Israeli systems will be installed in the production line. Some of the systems will be installed in Israel after the helicopters arrive but the US company will be asked to make the needed changes that will facilitate the installation of the systems in Israel.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
