In a major move for U.S. military aviation, Sikorsky, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, has secured a $10.8 billion contract with the U.S. Navy to supply up to 99 CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopters for the Marine Corps over the next five years.
The agreement, covering Lots 9 through 13, marks the largest single order for the aircraft to date and guarantees a steady delivery schedule from 2029 through 2034.
Advancing a Long-Term Modernization Plan
The Marine Corps has set a goal of acquiring 200 CH-53K King Stallions to replace its aging CH-53E Super Stallion fleet.
So far, 20 helicopters have already been delivered, and another 63 are in production under earlier contract lots.
This new deal represents a significant step toward modernizing the Corps’ heavy-lift capability and ensuring continuity in operations.
Replacing the Aging CH-53E Super Stallion Fleet
Currently, the Marine Corps still operates 127 CH-53E helicopters, which is roughly 30 fewer than required to meet operational needs.
The CH-53K is designed to close this gap, offering improved lift capacity, greater range, and enhanced operational flexibility compared to the older Super Stallion model.
CH-53K King Stallion: Power and Performance
The CH-53K is the largest single-rotor helicopter in the U.S. military inventory, capable of transporting heavy loads over long distances.
Serial production began in December 2022, just months after the Marine Corps declared the aircraft operational in April 2022.
The helicopter’s advanced engineering makes it a key asset for both transport and combat support missions.
Operational Integration and Deployment
Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 (HMH-461) at New River, North Carolina, became the first Marine Corps unit to receive the CH-53K, officially accepting the aircraft into service on January 21, 2022.
This milestone marked the start of integrating the King Stallion into real-world operational missions.
Ensuring Long-Term Capability
In a press statement, Sikorsky emphasized that this historic contract not only guarantees the Marine Corps will retain a robust heavy-lift capacity for decades but also provides stability for production lines and supply chains—critical for meeting future defense requirements.