Sikorsky starts assembly of CH-53K for Israel
The Israeli Air Force has revealed the cockpit and cabin section of its first CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter, locally named 'Pere' (Onager), on its official Facebook page.
The first of twelve CH-53Ks for the Zroa Ha'Avir VeHa'halal (Heyl Ha'Avir, Israeli Air and Space Force) is scheduled to arrive in 2028, nearly 60 years after the IAF introduced the Sikorsky CH-53D Yas’ur in 1969. Earlier reports had suggested initial deliveries in 2026.
The heavy-lift helicopters will be operated by 114 Tayeset 'The Night Leaders Squadron' at Tel Nof Air Base.
The CH-53K Pere offers three times the lift capacity of the IAF’s current CH-53D fleet, along with greater speed, range, safety, and survivability. The design incorporates advanced flight controls and a streamlined structure to simplify maintenance and sustainment.
Israel ordered twelve helicopters under a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement signed between the Ministry of Defence and the US government in late 2021, with an option for six more. The deal is valued at approximately USD 2 billion. On 26 February 2021, Scramble Magazine first reported on the Israeli coice for the new heavy lift helicopter.
Photo credit: Spirit AeroSystems / Israeli Air Force