In a concluding meeting, the Israel's Minister of Defense accepted the Israeli Air Force (IAF) and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) recommendation to select the Lockheed Martin CH-53K helicopter as the IAF’s next transport helicopter, replacing the current “Yas’ur” (CH-53) model.

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CH-53K helicopter (Picture source: Israeli MoD)

“It is essential to the IDF’s ability to carry out a wide range of operational activities. The new helicopter is adapted to the [IAF’s] operational requirements and to the challenges of the changing battlefield.,” said Minister Gantz.

The purchase will be part of an NIS 9 billion ($2.74 billion) arms deal with the US, approved by a ministerial committee earlier this month, to supply the Israeli Air Force with numerous aircraft and munitions.

The deal will allow the military to purchase F-35 and F-15 fighter jets, heavy transport helicopters, refueling planes and other equipment deemed critical by the military, like interceptor missiles and advanced bombs for aircraft.

The Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion is a heavy-lift cargo helicopter. The design features three 7,500 shp (5,590 kW) engines, new composite rotor blades, and a wider aircraft cabin than previous CH-53 variants. The CH-53K, which can lift 36,000 pounds, is the most powerful heavy lift helicopter ever built in the United States.

 A CH-53K lifting a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle during a demonstration (Picture source: US Navy)