US Navy seeks new sensors for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter
A CH-53K helicopter operates aboard the USS Arlington during multinational maritime exercise UNITAS 2025. (Photo: US Navy)
The US Navy intends to publish a draft request for proposals in Q2 2026 and conduct an open competition for the supply of new electro-optical and infrared capabilities for the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter.
The US Navy’s Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) plans to start a full and open solicitation in Q2 2026 for the supply of new sensors for the Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion. The service is seeking improved electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) capabilities.
The decision to conduct a competition was announced after the branch concluded market research to identify potential providers and solutions.
In a notice published last week, NAVAIR stated it intends to award a firm-fixed-price (FFP) indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract with an estimated performance period of seven years.
As part of this effort, the command will also
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Canada boosts Arctic presence as CCGS Donjek prepares for sea trials this year]()
Canada boosts Arctic presence as CCGS Donjek prepares for sea trials this year
CCGS Donjek is currently being prepared to start testing and be handed over to the Canadian Coast Guard in the second half of 2026.
-
![HHI poised to start submarine production in Peru pending election outcome]()
HHI poised to start submarine production in Peru pending election outcome
South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries confirmed to Shephard that the company is awaiting the Peruvian government’s decision to allow it to move forward with the production of the HDS-1500 submarine.
-
![How the Hormuz mine threat exposes potential Baltic MCM shortfalls]()
How the Hormuz mine threat exposes potential Baltic MCM shortfalls
Ageing Baltic vessels and an absence of active minehunting vessel programmes in the region have been put under the spotlight in the recent conflict.
