Sikorsky Begins Assembling CH-53K Helicopter for Israel

Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky has started assembling the first CH-53K "Pereh" heavy-lift helicopter for the Israeli Air Force, the Israeli Ministry of Defense confirmed in a statement.

The helicopters were purchased under a $2 billion Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement signed in late 2021 between the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the U.S. government. A total of 12 CH-53K "Pereh" helicopters were ordered, intended to replace Israel’s aging CH-53D "Yas'ur" fleet, which has been in service since 1969.

According to the ministry, Sikorsky has already received the cockpit and cabin sections of the first helicopter, marking the beginning of final assembly. Although initial plans aimed for delivery in 2026, the first aircraft is now scheduled to arrive in Israel in 2028.

The CH-53K "Pereh" is designed to meet the operational needs of the Israeli Air Force. Compared to the CH-53D, it provides nearly three times the load capacity. The helicopter has a maximum take-off weight of 39.9 tons and can lift up to 12.2 tons on an external sling. Powered by GE38-1B engines, the aircraft can reach speeds of 315 kilometers per hour and has a combat radius of about 200 kilometers.

The CH-53K first flew in October 2015 and is currently one of the most modern heavy-lift platform in production for U.S. and allied forces.