Israel Ministry of Defense Signs $130M CH-53K Integration Deal
The Israel Ministry of Defense has signed an approximately $130 million agreement with Elbit Systems to integrate Israeli-developed systems on the CH-53K Pereh heavy lift helicopters, marking a major milestone in the Israeli Air Force modernization effort.
The contract was signed by the Defense Procurement Directorate within the ministry as part of preparations for the delivery of 12 CH-53K helicopters, which will replace the Israeli Air Force aging CH-53D Yasur fleet that has been in service for decades.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the deal exceeds NIS 400 million and covers the integration of Israeli command and control systems, advanced avionics, electronic warfare suites, and an advanced directional infrared countermeasures system designed to protect the aircraft against missile threats.
Elbit Systems to Lead Israeli-Specific Integration
Under the agreement, Elbit Systems will serve as the prime contractor responsible for adapting the US-built CH-53K helicopters to Israeli operational requirements.
The integration package includes mission systems tailored to Israeli Air Force doctrine, with a focus on survivability, situational awareness, and all-weather operations. The upgraded cockpit environment is expected to improve crew workload management while enabling operations in complex terrain and contested environments.
Israeli officials say the systems will support improved obstacle detection, identification of safe landing zones, and enhanced coordination with other air and ground assets.
Elbit Systems has previously delivered avionics, electronic warfare, and self-protection suites for multiple Israeli and international helicopter platforms, including the UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook.
CH-53K Pereh Acquired Through US FMS Program
The CH-53K helicopters were acquired through a Foreign Military Sales agreement between Israel and the US government, signed several years ago. The aircraft are manufactured by Lockheed Martin Sikorsky and represent the latest evolution of the long serving CH-53 family.
Assembly of the Israeli aircraft is currently underway at Sikorsky primary production facility in Connecticut.
Once assembly is completed, the helicopters will be transferred to a dedicated installation and production line where Israeli systems will be integrated into the baseline American configuration. This approach allows Israel to retain commonality with US Marine Corps CH-53K aircraft while incorporating mission-specific technologies.
Enhancing Heavy Lift and Long-Range Operations
The CH-53K Pereh is expected to significantly enhance the Israeli Air Force heavy lift capability. Compared to the legacy Yasur helicopters, the new platform offers greater payload capacity, extended range, improved digital architecture, and enhanced survivability.
With the integration of Israeli electronic warfare and self-protection systems, the CH-53K fleet is intended to operate in high-threat environments, including scenarios involving advanced air defenses and man-portable missile systems.
The addition of a directional infrared countermeasures system is particularly relevant for low altitude operations, special forces insertion, and resupply missions.
Strategic Importance for Israeli Defense Planning
The CH-53K integration deal reflects Israel broader approach to defense procurement, combining US platforms with domestically developed systems to maintain operational independence and technological superiority.
Israeli defense officials have repeatedly emphasized the importance of tailoring foreign platforms to local requirements, especially in areas such as electronic warfare, communications, and networked operations.
The helicopter fleet is expected to play a key role in a wide range of missions, including long-range transport, special operations, combat search and rescue, and logistical support under fire.
Program Timeline and Next Steps
The Israeli Ministry of Defense has not publicly disclosed the full delivery timeline for the CH-53K Pereh fleet. However, initial aircraft are expected to arrive later this decade following completion of assembly, testing, and system integration.
Once delivered, the helicopters will undergo operational testing and evaluation with the Israeli Air Force before entering full operational service.
The Elbit Systems integration work will proceed in parallel with aircraft production, reducing the time required to achieve initial operational capability.
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