The Israeli Ministry of Defense announced last week that it signed an arms deal with Elbit Systems worth about $130 million to integrate advanced Israeli technologies on 12 new helicopters.
The new fleet is expected to replace the Israel Air Force’s aging U.S.-built Sikorsky CH-53 “Yas’ur” heavy transport helicopters.
The latest CH-53K “Pereh” helicopters were purchased through a Foreign Military Sales agreement signed several years ago between the defense ministry and the U.S. government, the ministry said in a statement.
The helicopters, manufactured by Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky, are in the assembly process at the main production facility in Connecticut, the statement read.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz was quoted as saying that the deal will secure the IAF’s “operational edge for years ahead. 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.”
He added that Israel remains committed to advancing domestic arms manufacturing to ensure “production independence, supply continuity and operational superiority for our forces.”
Elbit Systems president and CEO Bezhalel Machlis said his firm was “honored” to participate in this flagship project and support the IAF with the company’s “most advanced systems.”
