Israel MoD, August 15, 2025 - Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky has officially begun the assembly process for the CH-53K “Pereh” heavy-lift helicopters purchased by the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) for the Israeli Air Force (IAF).
The deal, valued at hundreds of millions of dollars, was signed as part of a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract between the IMOD and the U.S. Government. Under the agreement, Israel will receive 12 CH-53K “Pereh” helicopters, which will serve as the future backbone of the IAF’s heavy-lift fleet.
Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky has now received the cockpit and cabin sections of the first aircraft, which are being integrated during final assembly at the company’s facilities. According to current plans, the first CH-53K “Pereh” will be delivered to Israel in 2028, marking the gradual replacement of the long-serving CH-53D “Yas’ur” helicopters that have been in IAF service since the late 1960s.
Enhanced Capabilities
- The CH-53K “Pereh” is being tailored to meet the unique operational requirements of the Israeli Air Force. Compared to the “Yas’ur,” the new helicopter offers:
- Up to three times the payload capacity, allowing transport of heavier equipment and larger numbers of troops.
- Higher flight speed and extended operational range.
- Improved battlefield survivability, with advanced defensive systems.
- Operational efficiency through modernized design and materials.
CH-53K Pereh
Equipped with state-of-the-art digital flight and control systems, the “Pereh” enhances both flight safety and maintenance efficiency, ensuring greater readiness for missions ranging from combat operations to humanitarian relief.
The arrival of the CH-53K “Pereh” marks a major step in strengthening Israel’s strategic airlift capabilities, ensuring that the IAF maintains technological superiority and operational flexibility well into the coming decades.
The deal, valued at hundreds of millions of dollars, was signed as part of a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract between the IMOD and the U.S. Government. Under the agreement, Israel will receive 12 CH-53K “Pereh” helicopters, which will serve as the future backbone of the IAF’s heavy-lift fleet.
Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky has now received the cockpit and cabin sections of the first aircraft, which are being integrated during final assembly at the company’s facilities. According to current plans, the first CH-53K “Pereh” will be delivered to Israel in 2028, marking the gradual replacement of the long-serving CH-53D “Yas’ur” helicopters that have been in IAF service since the late 1960s.
Enhanced Capabilities
- The CH-53K “Pereh” is being tailored to meet the unique operational requirements of the Israeli Air Force. Compared to the “Yas’ur,” the new helicopter offers:
- Up to three times the payload capacity, allowing transport of heavier equipment and larger numbers of troops.
- Higher flight speed and extended operational range.
- Improved battlefield survivability, with advanced defensive systems.
- Operational efficiency through modernized design and materials.
CH-53K Pereh
Equipped with state-of-the-art digital flight and control systems, the “Pereh” enhances both flight safety and maintenance efficiency, ensuring greater readiness for missions ranging from combat operations to humanitarian relief.
The arrival of the CH-53K “Pereh” marks a major step in strengthening Israel’s strategic airlift capabilities, ensuring that the IAF maintains technological superiority and operational flexibility well into the coming decades.
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See also |
CH-53K King Stallion in
Heil Ha'Avir 
