- Israel’s Ministry of Defense signed an approximately $130 million contract with Elbit Systems to integrate Israeli avionics, electronic warfare, and missile defense systems on 12 CH-53K helicopters.
- The integration supports the Israeli Air Force’s transition from the CH-53 “Yas’ur” fleet to the U.S.-built CH-53K under a Foreign Military Sales program.
Israel’s Ministry of Defense has signed an approximately $130 million agreement with Elbit Systems to integrate Israeli-made avionics, command-and-control, electronic warfare, and missile defense systems on the country’s future CH-53K heavy-lift helicopters, the ministry said on Tuesday.
The contract, signed by the Defense Procurement Directorate within the Israel Ministry of Defense, covers the integration of advanced Israeli technologies on 12 CH-53K helicopters that are set to replace the Israeli Air Force’s aging CH-53 “Yas’ur” fleet. The helicopters are being acquired through a Foreign Military Sales agreement with the United States and are manufactured by Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky unit in Connecticut.
The deal includes the installation of Israeli command-and-control systems, avionics suites, electronic warfare equipment, and the country’s Directional Infrared Counter Measures system designed to protect the aircraft from guided missile threats. The value of the agreement exceeds 400 million shekels, the ministry said.
The CH-53K helicopters are currently in assembly at Sikorsky’s main production facility. Once assembly is completed, the aircraft will move to a dedicated installation and production line established to adapt the U.S.-configured helicopters to Israeli operational requirements defined by the Israeli Air Force.
The integration work is intended to enhance the cockpit environment, support flight operations in challenging conditions, and improve the crew’s ability to identify landing zones and obstacles during complex missions. The Israeli systems will be tailored specifically to the operational needs of the Israeli Air Force, which relies on heavy-lift helicopters for transport, special operations support, and combat logistics.
Defense Minister Israel Katz said the agreement is a key step in preparing the force for the coming years. “This deal marks a major milestone in strengthening the IDF and securing the Israeli Air Force’s operational edge for years ahead,” Katz said. “Integrating cutting-edge Israeli systems into the world’s most advanced heavy-lift helicopter ensures these platforms are fully adapted to Israel’s unique combat requirements.”
Katz added that the ministry remains focused on incorporating domestic industry into strategic defense programs. “We remain committed to advancing domestic ‘blue-and-white’ defense production and incorporating Israeli industries into strategic programs, ensuring production independence, supply continuity, and operational superiority for our forces,” he said.
Israel Ministry of Defense Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram said the CH-53K program is part of a broader modernization effort. “The CH-53K helicopters are a key part of the multi-year procurement program the Ministry is pursuing alongside the IDF for fighter squadrons, helicopters, tankers, and various armaments that will define the IDF’s force structure for the coming decade and beyond,” Baram said.
Baram noted that integrating Israeli technologies onto the platform reflects the approach taken across other major aviation programs. “Integrating Israeli technologies into the world’s most advanced heavy-lift helicopter demonstrates the technological edge of Israel’s defense industries and the potential of incorporating Israeli systems into advanced aircraft platforms,” he said.
Elbit Systems President and Chief Executive Officer Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis said the company would supply systems already in operational use with the Israeli Air Force. “We are honored to take part in the flagship project to upgrade the helicopter fleet and to support the complex needs of the Air Force through Elbit’s most advanced systems,” Machlis said. “These systems are tailored to the Air Force’s requirements and provide an advanced technological envelope for mission execution and pilot safety.”
The CH-53K, known in Israeli service as the “Pereh,” is the latest version of Sikorsky’s heavy-lift helicopter family. It offers increased lift capacity, extended range, and digital flight systems compared with earlier variants, allowing it to operate in high-threat and degraded environments.