Israel’s Ministry of Defense has signed a deal worth more than 400 million shekels (about $130 million) with Elbit Systems to integrate an electronics package developed in Israel onto heavy transport helicopters CH-53K King Stallion.
The contract is part of preparations for the introduction of the CH-53K fleet, locally designated “Pereh”, which will replace the Israel Defense Forces’ veteran Yas’ur helicopters. In total, 12 aircraft will receive national command and control systems, avionics, electronic warfare, early warning sensors and the advanced DIRCM missile defense system.
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Acquisition via FMS and local adaptation
The helicopters were acquired through a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement with the U.S. government and are in production at Lockheed Martin Sikorsky in Connecticut. After assembly, the aircraft will move to a dedicated installation line, created to adapt the standard US configuration to the operational requirements defined by the Israeli Air Force.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the integration of Israeli systems will increase situational awareness in the cabin, enable operations in difficult environmental conditions and support the identification of safe landing zones and obstacles.
Official statements
Defense Minister Israel Katz said the agreement “marks a decisive step to strengthen the IDF and preserve the Air Force’s operational advantage for many years,” underlining the commitment to “blue and white” domestic production.
The director general of the ministry, Amir Baram, highlighted that the CH-53K is a central element of the multi-year acquisition program that will shape the force structure in the next decade and that the integration of Israeli technologies demonstrates the potential of the local industry on latest generation platforms.
Elbit Systems CEO Bezhalel Machlis said the systems to be integrated represent the company’s “state of the art” and have been adapted to the specific needs of the Air Force, with particular attention to mission effectiveness and pilot safety.
Source and images: X @ElbitSystemsLtd | Lockheed Martin–Sikorsky. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial staff.
