Sikorsky wins five-year $11 billion US Marine Corps contract for CH-53K helicopters
The US Marine Corps currently has 20 CH-53K in its fleet. (Photo: Lockheed Martin Sikorsky)
The follow-on order for CH-53K helicopters is the largest one to date for the type and will see deliveries carried out from 2029 to 2034.
Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky has been awarded a nearly US$11 billion contract from the US Navy to build up to 99 CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopters for the US Marine Corps (USMC).
The contract is the largest order for the CH-53K aircraft to date, with the USMC planning to eventually procure up to 200 aircraft. Currently, there are 20 CH-53K in service with the marines and the aircraft is on track for its first deployment in FY2027, according to the US Navy (USN).
An additional 63 aircraft are in “various stages of production and assembly” according to Lockheed Martin.
According to Sikorsky,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![Dubai Airshow 2025: Airbus reveals progress on drone mothership plans for A400M]()
Dubai Airshow 2025: Airbus reveals progress on drone mothership plans for A400M
Airbus is working to expand the mission capabilities of its A400M aircraft, including a 40t payload increase, to boost Europe’s defence capabilities.
-
![How are next-generation ejection seats helping pilots when they need it most?]()
How are next-generation ejection seats helping pilots when they need it most?
The ACES 5 ejection seat from RTX’s Collins Aerospace introduces new, innovative and patented technologies to help save lives.
-
![Dubai Airshow 2025: Embraer strengthens C-390 UAE bid with completion centre plans]()
Dubai Airshow 2025: Embraer strengthens C-390 UAE bid with completion centre plans
The proposals, along with a recent MoU signed with local industry, move the company another step forward in its bid to replace the UAE’s ageing transport aircraft.
-
![Viper Shield electronic warfare suite for F-16s enters low-rate initial production]()
Viper Shield electronic warfare suite for F-16s enters low-rate initial production
The L3Harris Viper Shield is seen as a key component in keeping the newest generation of F-16s up to date and providing a retrofit capability to earlier aircraft.
-
![Dubai Airshow 2025: Boeing emphasises uncrewed teaming capability plans for F-15EX]()
Dubai Airshow 2025: Boeing emphasises uncrewed teaming capability plans for F-15EX
The F-15EX is being promoted by the manufacturer as an ideal platform to pair with uncrewed systems.
-
![Could the Middle East be the next target for the F-35A?]()
Could the Middle East be the next target for the F-35A?
The Pentagon has indicated a growing willingness to export advanced US defence technology to nations in the Middle East – excluding Israel – resulting in new and resumed talks with Saudi Arabia and Turkey respectively.
