Israel MoD, February 26, 2021 - Defense Minister Gantz accepted the recommendations presented by IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Aviv Kohavi, and Defense Ministry Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.), Amir Eshel, to select the Lockheed-Martin CH-53K helicopter as the IDF’s new heavy lift aircraft
Minister Gantz: “It is essential to the IDF’s ability to carry out a wide range of operational activities. The new helicopter is adapted to the [IAF’s] operational requirements and to the challenges of the changing battlefield.”
“All details, including the number of helicopters requested, will be brought to the approval of the Ministerial Committee for Procurement as soon as possible”
Minister Gantz: “It is essential to the IDF’s ability to carry out a wide range of operational activities. The new helicopter is adapted to the [IAF’s] operational requirements and to the challenges of the changing battlefield.”
“All details, including the number of helicopters requested, will be brought to the approval of the Ministerial Committee for Procurement as soon as possible”
Sikorsky CH-53K
Israel would be the first foreign customer of the CH-53K. The helicopter was specially developed for the US Marine Corps to replace the CH-53E Super Stallion and is expected to complete its first deployment in 2023 or 2024.
Powered by three T408-GE-400 engines, the King Stallion surpass the capability of its predecessor by carrying nearly double the external payload of 27,000 lb / 12,200 kg over the same distance 110 nm / 204 km.
With 8 prototypes in the flight testing program, the first Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) aircraft were ordered last October
See also |
CH-53K King Stallion in
Heil Ha'Avir CH-53 Yasur in
Heil Ha'Avir 
