The U.S. Navy has secured a contract with Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, for the acquisition of 35 more CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopters. The contract, valued at approximately $2.7 billion, encompasses the purchase of 27 helicopters for the U.S. Marine Corps and eight for the Israeli air force. The delivery of the newly ordered CH-53K helicopters is scheduled to commence in 2026.
Sikorsky President Paul Lemmo expressed his enthusiasm about the contract award, highlighting the significance of the partnership between the two entities. He stated, "This contract award for 35 CH-53K helicopters stabilizes Sikorsky’s nationwide supply base, creates additional production efficiencies, and provides the U.S. Marine Corps with transformative 21st-century technologies. Our long-standing partnership led to this best value contract award providing the capability and readiness the Marines need."
Having obtained full-rate production authorization for the CH-53K in December 2022, the Navy is set to acquire up to 200 of these advanced King Stallion helicopters. With over 1,000 operational flight hours logged in the model so far, Sikorsky reports that the CH-53K boasts remarkable capabilities. It can carry an external load weighing up to 27,000 pounds over a distance of 110 nautical miles even under challenging high/hot conditions.
