Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky began assembly of the first Ch-53K helicopter “Pereh” for the Israeli Air Force (IAF). The announcement was made by the Ministry of Defense of Israel on its official Facebook page.
The contract, signed at the end of 2021 under the Foreign Military Sales Program (FMS), provides for the delivery of 12 aircraft for an estimated $ 2 billion value. Sikorsky has already received the Cockpit and Cabin sections of the first helicopter, which now go to the final assembly.
Despite the initial plans to start deliveries in 2026, the most recent forecast indicates that the first CH-53K will arrive in Israel only by 2028.
New Age for Israeli Transport Aviation
The new CH-53K “Pereh” will replace veterans CH-53D “Yas’ur”, in operation since 1969, offering up to three times more useful load capacity. The model is capable of carrying up to 12.2 tons in outer slay, with a maximum takeoff weight of 39.9 tons, range of about 200 km and speed of up to 315 km/h, driven by GE38-1B engines.
Modernization represents a strategic leap for Israel, ensuring greater mobility, efficiency and readiness in military and humanitarian operations.
Source and Images: Ministry of Defense of Israel | Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky. This content was created with the aid of AI and revised by the editorial team.
