The Israel Ministry of Defense has signed an agreement valued at more than 400 million shekels (around US$130 million) with Elbit Systems to integrate an Israel-developed electronics package into the CH-53K King Stallion heavy transport helicopters.
The contract is part of the preparations to induct the CH-53K fleet, locally designated “Pereh,” which will replace the veteran Yas’ur helicopters of the Israel Defense Forces. In total, 12 aircraft will receive national command-and-control systems, avionics, electronic warfare suites, warning sensors, and the advanced DIRCM missile defense system.
FMS acquisition and local adaptation
The helicopters were acquired through a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement with the United States government and are being produced by Lockheed Martin Sikorsky in Connecticut. After assembly, the aircraft will move to a dedicated installation line created to adapt the standard U.S. configuration to the operational requirements defined by the Israeli Air Force.
According to the Ministry of Defense, integrating Israeli systems will enhance cockpit situational awareness, enable operations in challenging environmental conditions, and support the identification of safe landing zones and obstacles.
Official statements
Defense Minister Israel Katz said the agreement “marks a decisive step in strengthening the IDF and preserving the Air Force’s operational advantage for many years,” highlighting the commitment to domestic “blue and white” production.
The ministry’s director general, Amir Baram, emphasized that the CH-53K is a central element of the multi-year procurement program that will shape the force structure over the next decade, and that integrating Israeli technologies demonstrates the potential of the local industry on next-generation platforms.
Elbit Systems CEO Bezhalel Machlis stated that the systems to be integrated represent the company’s “state of the art” and have been tailored to the specific needs of the Air Force, with a focus on mission effectiveness and pilot safety.
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Source and images: X @ElbitSystemsLtd | Lockheed Martin–Sikorsky. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
