DefenseSikorsky signs $10.85 billion contract for up to 99 CH-53K helicopters
Sikorsky and the US Navy have finalized a contract valued at $10.85 billion for the production of up to 99 CH-53K King Stallion helicopters for the US Marine Corps. The multi-year agreement consolidates five previous aircraft orders into a single contract covering deliveries from 2029 to 2034.
This is the largest single order to date for the CH-53K, a heavy-lift helicopter designed to meet the transport requirements of the US Marine Corps in contemporary combat environments. The program aims for a total fleet of 200 aircraft, with Sikorsky having already delivered 20 units and 63 currently in production.
“This award reflects trust and confidence in Sikorsky to deliver these technologically advanced, heavy-lift helicopters that will revolutionize the Marine Corps’ operational capabilities by adding unrivaled power, performance, survivability and dependability to the fleet,” said Rich Benton, Sikorsky vice president and general manager.
The US Navy declared full-rate production for the CH-53K program in December 2022, following several phases of testing and operational evaluation. The contract is structured to improve supplier order management and provide more predictable pricing over the five-year period.
According to Sikorsky, the agreement will help stabilize the US industrial base and support thousands of jobs across the company and its supply chain. The Marine Corps has already begun transitioning one squadron to the CH-53K, with ongoing operational deployment and testing of delivered helicopters.
With deliveries scheduled through 2034, the contract ensures continuity in the CH-53K program and allows for long-term planning for both Sikorsky and its partners. The consolidated order is expected to streamline procurement processes and maintain production momentum for the heavy-lift platform.
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