Multi-Year contract for Sikorsky
On 26 September 2025, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. was awarded a USD 11 billion contract for the modification of and delivery of new CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopters.
The multi-year contract covers modifications for Lots 9 and 10 and adds scope for Lots 11–13, for a combined total of 99 King Stallions. The award ensures consistent deliveries of the helicopters between 2029 and 2034, with all work expected to be completed by February 2034.
The contract combines five separate aircraft orders, Lots 9–13, into a five-year multi-year procurement. Sikorsky has delivered 20 CH-53K aircraft to the USMC, while an additional 63 aircraft (Lots 4–8) are in various stages of production and assembly.
The USMC’s target acquisition is 200 CH-53K helicopters. Full-rate production was authorized in December 2022, and Full Operational Capability (FOC) is expected around FY 2029.
According to Col. Kate Fleeger, Program Manager, H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopter Program Office (PMA-261): "This contract represents a huge win for the entire CH-53K team and allows Sikorsky to bundle purchase orders from suppliers to achieve better pricing and pass the savings on to the government. It also enables dependable delivery to the fleet and provides a consistent and predictable timeline for the transition from the CH-53E to the CH-53K."
To date, the USMC has transitioned one CH-53K fleet squadron (HMH-461 Iron Horses 'CJ-xx' at New River MCAS, North Carolina) and has CH-53K aircraft flying at one developmental test squadron (HX-21 Blackjack 'HX' at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland) and one operational test squadron (VMX-1 Mihi Cura Futuri 'MV-00x' at Cherry Point MCAS, North Carolina).
Additionally, HMHT-302 Phoenix ('UT-xx') at New River MCAS is transitioning to become the formal CH-53K training squadron, with the first King Stallion delivered to the unit in August 2025.
Credit photo: Heather Wilburn, Fleet Readiness Center East/FRCE (US Navy)