The Israeli Ministry of Defense has signed a contract worth over 400 million shekels (approximately US$130 million) with Elbit Systems to integrate an Israeli-developed electronics package into heavy transport helicopters CH-53K King Stallion.
The contract is part of preparations for the introduction of the CH-53K fleet, which is referred to in Israel as “Pereh” and will replace the veteran Yas’ur type in service with the Israel Defense Forces. A total of 12 aircraft will receive the nation’s command and control systems, avionics, electronic warfare assets, warning sensors and the advanced DIRCM missile defense system.
Acquisition within FMS and local adjustments
The helicopters were procured through the United States government’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program and are manufactured by Lockheed Martin Sikorsky in Connecticut. After assembly is complete, the machines will be moved to a specialized installation line that has been set up to adapt the standard American 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 cockpit, enable operation in challenging environmental conditions and support the identification of safe landing zones and obstacles.
Official statement
Defense Minister Israel Katz said the agreement “represents a decisive step towards strengthening the Israel Defense Forces and maintaining the operational superiority of the air force for many years to come”, emphasizing the commitment to domestic production referred to as “blue-white”.
Defense Ministry Director General Amir Baram emphasized that the CH-53K is a key element of a multi-year acquisition program that will shape the force structure for the next decade, and that the integration of Israeli technologies demonstrates the potential of the domestic industry on next-generation platforms.
Elbit Systems CEO Bezhalel Machlis said the integrated systems represent the company’s “state-of-the-art technology” and have been tailored to the specific needs of the Air Force with a focus on mission efficiency and pilot safety.
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Source and Images: X @ElbitSystemsLtd | Lockheed Martin–Sikorsky. This content was created with the help of artificial intelligence and reviewed by the editorial team.
