Rotorcraft
Israel Selects Sikorsky’s King Stallion Helicopter
Sikorsky’s latest heavylift helicopter has been chosen over the CH-47 to replace first-generation CH-53s in service with the Israeli Air Force.
CH-53K King Stallion in notional IDF/AF colors. (Photo: IMOD)
CH-53K King Stallion in notional IDF/AF colors. (Photo: IMOD)

Just days after the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) signed off on the acquisition of two Boeing KC-46 tankers, the next piece of the Israel Defense Force/Air Force’s re-equipment plans has fallen into place. On February 25, the IMOD announced it has selected the Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion over the Boeing CH-47 Chinook to be its next heavylift helicopter. If, as is likely, an order is placed soon, Israel will become the first export customer for the type. As yet there are no details concerning numbers and delivery schedule.