The U.S. Dept. of Defense issued a $232.4-million modification to an existing contract with Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., covering acquisition of “long-lead time materials” in the lead-up to full-rate production on the next round (Lot 10) of CH-53K aircraft for the U.S. Marine Corps.
The new award exercises an option established in the initial 2023 contract and extends its full value by 25% to $605.4 million. Each production lot is planned to include 21 helicopters, and the acquisition period is expected to be completed in March 2026.
The CH-53K “King Stallion” is a heavy-lift transport helicopter, the largest and heaviest helicopter in service for U.S. defense forces. Each aircraft is powered by three gas turbofan engines and has a range of 530 miles, with a payload of 27,000 lbs.
The USMC is scheduled to receive a total of 200 CH-53Ks in a fleet-replacement program over multiple years. In 2023, the U.S. Navy granted a $2.77-billion award to Sikorsky for 35 King Stallions (Lots 9 and 10), with deliveries starting in 2026.
Sikorsky, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, will produce the helicopters in Stratford, Conn.
