The Israeli government has signed a $130 million contract with Elbit Systems to equip its incoming CH-53K Pereh heavy-lift helicopters with locally developed mission and protection systems.
Overseen by the Defense Procurement Directorate, the deal includes the integration of indigenous command-and-control architecture, avionics, electronic warfare systems, and a directional infrared countermeasures anti-missile capability on 12 helicopters.
The aircraft were procured through a 2021 US foreign military sales agreement and are currently under production by Sikorsky in Connecticut. Following assembly, the helicopters will be transferred to a separate integration line for the installation of Israeli-specific systems.
Elbit said the enhancements will improve cockpit usability, support operations in challenging environments, and strengthen the identification of landing zones and obstacles. Deliveries of the CH-53K fleet are expected to take place from 2028 to 2030, at which point the aircraft will begin replacing Israel’s long-serving CH-53 Yas’ur helicopters.
Commenting on the agreement, Defense Minister Israel Katz said the program marks a significant milestone for the Israeli Air Force.
Also known as the King Stallion, the CH-53K is a 99-foot helicopter capable of carrying up to 30 troops or roughly 35,000 pounds of payload. It is powered by three 7,500-horsepower GE T408 engines and offers a range of 460 nautical miles, a service ceiling of 16,000 feet, and a top speed of 170 knots.
