Sikorsky gains King Stallion FMS contract modification for Israel
Rendering of CH-53K King Stallion helicopter in Israeli livery. (Image: Lockheed Martin)
Sikorsky will build for LRIP Lot 6 CH-53Ks for Israel under an FMS contract modification.
Lockheed Martin company Sikorsky has obtained a $372.04 million FMS contract modification from US Naval Air Systems Command to manufacture and deliver four LRIP Lot 6 CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopters for Israel.
Sikorsky will also provide ‘associated aircraft programmatic and logistical support’, the DoD announced on 15 February.
Work will take place at various US locations as well as in Canada, France and UK, for completion by November 2025.
The Israeli MoD confirmed on 31 December 2021 a deal to buy 12 King Stallions with an option to acquire six more, as part of a $3.1 billion FMS package that also includes two Boeing KC-46A Pegasus refuelling aircraft.
The CH-53Ks will replace ageing CH-53D Yasur helicopters in Israeli service.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![Airbus MQ-72C Lakota Connector progress on track ahead of pending USMC decision]()
Airbus MQ-72C Lakota Connector progress on track ahead of pending USMC decision
The MQ-7C uncrewed aircraft is currently undergoing further internal flight tests ahead of a government test event anticipated for next year.
-
![November Drone Digest: GA-ASI eyes Middle East for Gambit, Edge Group unveils new UAVs]()
November Drone Digest: GA-ASI eyes Middle East for Gambit, Edge Group unveils new UAVs
In November 2025, GA-ASI unveiled a new Gambit variant, the Gambit 6, and appears to be pitching the aircraft series to various customers in the Middle East, which is a fast-emerging CCA market. The Dubai Airshow also saw the unveiling of various Emirati aircraft from Edge Group.
-
![Baykar’s Kizilelma drone makes progress with first air-to-air kill]()
Baykar’s Kizilelma drone makes progress with first air-to-air kill
This test is the latest milestone achieved by the indigenous drone, destroying a target using a beyond-visual-range missile.
-
![Lockheed plans further solid rocket motor investment in Europe and Middle East]()
Lockheed plans further solid rocket motor investment in Europe and Middle East
The company has worked to heavily invest in its solid rocket motor production capabilities, both in the US and internationally, to build a strong supply chain to meet growing demand.
-
![How the US Air Force plans to use data analytics to enhance the roles of airmen and assets]()
How the US Air Force plans to use data analytics to enhance the roles of airmen and assets
The USAF has allocated nearly US$500 million to further the deployment of this type of technology in FY2026. It envisions using analytics to enhance sensors, weapons, missiles and human performance.
