Jerusalem : Israel’s Ministry of Defense has signed a contract valued at approximately $130 million (more than NIS 400 million) with Elbit Systems for the integration of Israeli-developed defense technologies into the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) future CH-53K “Pereh” heavy-lift helicopter fleet.
The agreement was announced on Thursday by the Israel Ministry of Defense and is being led by the Defense Procurement Directorate (DPD) through its Air and Sea Procurement Division. It covers the adaptation of 12 helicopters that will replace the Israeli Air Force’s (IAF) aging CH-53 “Yas’ur” squadrons, which have been in operational service for several decades.
Scope of the Integration Program
Under the contract, Elbit Systems will supply and integrate a comprehensive suite of Israeli systems aimed at enhancing survivability, situational awareness, and mission effectiveness. The package includes advanced command-and-control (C2) systems, upgraded avionics, and electronic warfare (EW) capabilities tailored to Israeli operational requirements.
A central element of the integration effort is the installation of a Directional Infrared Counter Measures (DIRCM) system, designed to defend the helicopters against infrared-guided surface-to-air missiles. According to the Ministry of Defense, the integrated systems are intended to improve cockpit functionality, support operations in complex environmental and weather conditions, and assist aircrews in identifying landing zones and obstacles during low-altitude and contested missions.
Production and Modification Process
The CH-53K helicopters are being acquired through a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement signed between Israel and the United States in previous years. The aircraft are manufactured by Lockheed Martin Sikorsky at its primary production facility in Connecticut.
After completion of the initial manufacturing phase in the United States, the helicopters will be transferred to a dedicated configuration line established specifically for Israel’s requirements. At this stage, the standard U.S. configuration will be modified to incorporate Israeli systems and meet the operational standards set by the Israeli Air Force.
Operational and Industrial Considerations
Israeli defense officials said the contract is intended to ensure that the new helicopter fleet aligns with Israel’s operational environment while also supporting domestic defense production. Defense Minister Israel Katz said the agreement contributes to maintaining the IDF’s technological advantage and reinforces domestic defense manufacturing capabilities.
Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram, Director General of the Ministry of Defense, said the CH-53K fleet is a core component of Israel’s long-term force-build-up program and will play a role in shaping the structure of the Israel Defense Forces in the coming decade.
Elbit Systems President and Chief Executive Officer Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis said the company will deliver systems based on its existing operational experience with the Israeli Air Force, adding that the technologies are designed to support mission execution while improving flight safety.
Replacement of the Yas’ur Fleet
The CH-53K “Pereh” helicopters are expected to significantly improve heavy-lift performance, speed, and safety compared with the CH-53 “Yas’ur” platforms they are replacing. The transition marks a major modernization step for Israel’s heavy-lift aviation capabilities, combining a U.S.-built airframe with Israeli-developed mission systems adapted to national operational requirements.
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