The IDF is buying 12 cutting edge CH-53K King Stallion helicopters from Lockheed Martin.
By Hezy Laing
Israel is undergoing a significant upgrade to its aerial capabilities with the acquisition of 12 CH-53K King Stallion helicopters from Lockheed Martin.
This $2 billion Foreign Military Sales agreement marks a pivotal shift in the IDF approach to heavy-lift operations.
The first units are expected to arrive by 2028, replacing the aging CH-53D “Yasur” fleet, which has been in service since 1969!
With approximately 23 Yasur helicopters still active, these aircraft are among the oldest operational heavy-lift platforms in the world.
As of 2025, the IDF is actively preparing for the transition to the CH-53K, locally designated “Pere.”
This modernization effort is not just about replacing old airframes—it’s about redefining operational capacity.
The CH-53K offers triple the payload of its predecessor, faster speeds, and significantly enhanced survivability.
These helicopters are built by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, at their Connecticut facility.
Once manufactured, they undergo custom integration by Elbit Systems, an Israeli defense technology firm.
Elbit equips the aircraft with advanced navigation, communications, and electronic warfare systems tailored specifically for IDF missions.
This fusion of American engineering and Israeli innovation results in a platform that is not only powerful but also deeply adapted to Israel’s unique battlefield requirements.
While the Yasur helicopters continue to serve through life-extension upgrades, the CH-53K is poised to become the backbone of Israel’s heavy-lift fleet.
Alongside the CH-53K, the IDF maintains a robust lineup of UH-60 Black Hawks and AH-64 Apaches, which fulfill transport and attack roles respectively.
The strategic importance of this upgrade cannot be overstated.
Israel faces multi-front threats, and the ability to rapidly deploy troops, evacuate under fire, and conduct deep special operations is essential.
The CH-53K’s capabilities directly support missions in Gaza, Lebanon, and beyond, offering unmatched flexibility and resilience.
Globally, the CH-53K “Pere” places Israel among the elite in heavy-lift aviation, rivaling even the U.S. Marine Corps in terms of capability.
Regionally, Turkey presents the closest competition in terms of indigenous helicopter production.
However, Israel’s operational experience and depth of integration give it a distinct edge.
Elbit’s systems not only enhance new platforms but also breathe new life into older ones, making them smarter, more lethal, and more survivable.
This modernization reflects Israel’s broader defense doctrine: a commitment to technological superiority, strategic agility, and readiness for any scenario.
As the CH-53K enters service, it will redefine what Israel’s air force can achieve in the most demanding combat environments.
