Elbit to equip CH-53K helicopters with Israeli-specific systems

A computer-generated image of an Israeli CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter. Elbit Systems is to equip the fleet of 12 helicopters with Israeli-specific systems. (Lockheed Martin)

The Israeli Ministry of Defense (MoD) has contracted Elbit Systems to undertake nationally specific upgrades to Lockheed Martin CH-53K Pereh heavy-lift helicopters that are being built.

The MoD announced the contract on 5 February, saying the Defense Procurement Directorate (DPD) had awarded Elbit approximately USD130 million to integrate “advanced Israeli technologies” aboard the 12 helicopters, assembly of the first of which was launched in August 2025 ahead of deliveries from 2028.

“As part of the preparations for receiving the CH-53K Pereh helicopters, the DPD within the MoD has signed a deal with Elbit Systems to integrate advanced Israeli technologies, including command-and-control, avionics, and electronic warfare systems, and the advanced anti-missile DIRCM [directed infrared countermeasures] system, on the 12 new helicopters expected to replace the [Israel Defense Forces'] IDF's ageing [CH-53] Yas'ur helicopters,” the MoD said.

“Upon completion of assembly, the helicopters are expected to move to a dedicated installation and production line established for adapting the American-configuration helicopters to Israeli systems tailored to the operational requirements defined by the Israeli Air Force (IAF). The integration of Israeli systems is expected to enhance the cockpit environment, enable flight in challenging conditions, and support the identification of safe landing zones and obstacles,” it added.

News of the award came some four years after the US Navy (USN) detailed to Janes in June 2022 what it was then describing as “the exportable” version of the CH-53K King Stallion developed for the US Marine Corps (USMC). “The domestic basic CH-53K aircraft, [with its] three T408 engines, are common with any CH-53K export,” a USN spokesperson told Janes,