U.S. to Integrate Israeli Avionics, EW Systems on Israel Air Force CH-53K Helicopters

The U.S. Department of Defense has signed an agreement with Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky to integrate Israeli systems into 12 CH-53K helicopters, known in Israel as "Pra," as part of a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) deal.

The helicopters will replace the Israeli Air Force’s aging two-dozen-strong Yasour fleet.

The deal, valued at hundreds of millions of dollars, covers the installation of Israeli avionics, navigation, and electronic warfare systems. The manufacturing process is underway at Sikorsky's Stratford, Connecticut, facility, where a dedicated installation and production line will be set up to customize the helicopters to Israeli Air Force requirements. The Israeli Ministry of Defense will supply the systems, which will be integrated by Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky.

In 2021, Israel agreed to buy 12 CH-53K helicopters and two KC-46 refuelers from the U.S. for over $2 billion. The U.S. had approved a potential sale of up to 18. By February 2022, Lockheed Martin began producing the first four, with the first set to arrive in 2026.