Tel Aviv: The delay in finalising the changes that the Israeli Air Force (IAF) wants to make in its Lockheed Martin CH-53K heavy helicopters, may further delay the deliveries. This causes concerns in Israel especially when the current fleet is extensively used during the ongoing war.
The existing official delivery of the 12 CH-53K is planned for 2026, but defence sources said that this will be delayed. Earlier this year, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) updated the list of special Israeli developed system 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 changes will add to the price of these heavy helicopters. The Israeli ministry of defence and the IAF are in a problem that has become more serious because of the ongoing war.
The list of special systems is classified but two systems were mentioned during the negotiations- a special Israeli developed EW systems and a new very advanced pilot helmet to be developed by Elbit Systems, a leading supplier of pilot helmets.
The first heavy helicopters are expected to be delivered to the IAF in 2026. Talks are underway to streamline the way the 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 Government of Israel has requested to buy up to eighteen (CH-53K Heavy Lift Helicopters; up to sixty T408-GE-400 Engines (54 installed, 6 spares); and up to thirty-six Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation Systems (EGI) with Selective Availability/Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM). Also included is communication equipment; GAU-21 .50 caliber Machine Guns; Mission Planning System; facilities study, design and construction; spare and repair parts; support and test equipment; publications and technical documentation; aircrew and maintenance training; US Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The total estimated cost is US $ 2.4 billion.
The acquisition will improve the IAF’S capability to transport armoured vehicles, personnel, and equipment to support distributed operations. Israel will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defence.
The Israeli Air Force has selected the CH-53K as the replacement for its old CH-53. The selection was made after a competition with the Boeing CH-47.
-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
