On Thursday, February 5, 2026, the Israeli company Elbit Systems announced that it had received an order worth approximately 120 million USD / over 400 million NIS from the Defense Procurement Directorate (DPD) of the Israeli Ministry of Defense to integrate advanced Israeli technologies. These include DIRCM (Directed Infrared Countermeasure) self-protection systems, command and control (C2), and avionics for 12 future Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky CH-53K Pereh heavy transport helicopters.
Images: Lockheed Martin
The CH-53K King Stallion helicopters, which will receive the local designation Pereh, were acquired under an intergovernmental Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement signed four years ago. The helicopters are being produced by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, and are currently in the assembly process at the main plant in Stratford, Connecticut, which began in mid-August 2025 (assembly of the first CH-53K King Stallion for Israel).
Once assembly is complete, the helicopters are to be transferred to a dedicated production line intended to adapt them from the U.S. configuration to Israeli systems tailored to the operational requirements defined by the Israeli Air Force (Chejl-ha Awir). The integration of Israeli systems is intended to improve cabin conditions, enable operations in challenging environments, and assist in identifying safe landing zones and avoiding obstacles.
The helicopter DIRCM package includes Elbit Systems’ advanced digital radar warning receiver, an infrared missile warning system (MWS), a laser warning system (LWS), a countermeasures dispensing system (CMDS), and the Mini-MUSIC DIRCM (Direct Infrared Counter Measures) aircraft protection system from the MUSIC family (designed to protect small and medium-sized aircraft and helicopters). Its role is to protect aircraft against missiles using infrared-guided seekers. Drawing on many years of experience and hundreds of thousands of flight hours in military conditions, Mini-MUSIC detects incoming missiles and disrupts their operation, ensuring the safety of the helicopter and its passengers.
Israel’s Minister of Defense, Yisrael Katz, said:
“This deal marks a major milestone in strengthening the IDF and securing the Israeli Air Force’s operational edge for years ahead. Integrating cutting-edge Israeli systems into the world’s most advanced heavy-lift helicopter ensures these platforms are fully adapted to Israel’s unique combat requirements. We remain committed to advancing domestic ‘blue-and-white’ defense production and incorporating Israeli industries into strategic programs, ensuring production independence, supply continuity, and operational superiority for our forces.”
IMOD Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram:
“The CH-53K helicopters are a key part of the multi-year procurement program the Ministry is pursuing alongside the IDF for fighter squadrons, helicopters, tankers, and various armaments that will define the IDF’s force structure for the coming decade and beyond. Integrating Israeli technologies into the world’s most advanced heavy-lift helicopter demonstrates the technological edge of Israel’s defense industries and the significant potential of incorporating Israeli systems into cutting-edge aircraft platforms.”
Elbit Systems President and CEO, Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis:
“We are honored to take part in the flagship project to upgrade the helicopter fleet and to support the complex needs of the Air Force, through Elbit’s most advanced systems, which will be integrated into the new CH-53K helicopters. These systems, representing the forefront of Elbit’s proven technology, are tailored to the Air Force’s requirements and provide an optimal advanced technological envelope for mission execution and for ensuring pilot safety.”
New Heavy Transport Helicopters for the IDF
Israel has been seeking a supplier of new heavy transport helicopters since July 2018. They are intended to replace 22 Sikorsky S-65C-3 Yas’ur-2000/2025 helicopters (derived from the CH-53 Sea Stallion, delivered to Israel in 1969 and modernized in the early 2000s; currently 21 remain, as one was shot down by Hamas on October 7, 2023 – editor’s note). On February 25, 2021, a decision was made to select the CH-53K King Stallion, newly developed for the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC), rejecting Boeing’s counteroffer with the CH-47F Chinook.
On February 15, 2022, a contract was signed for the production of the first four helicopters, worth 372,040,552 USD. The remaining eight were included in a broader contract dated August 24, 2023, covering large-scale production of these helicopters (7th and 8th production lots), primarily 27 aircraft for the USMC, with a total value of 2,774,583,756 USD. Although 12 helicopters have been ordered, the authorities in Tel Aviv retain an option to contract an additional six under the same contractual terms (as stipulated in the sales approval dated July 30, 2021).
Originally, deliveries to Israel were to begin in November 2025, but according to the latest update from the Israeli Ministry of Defense, this has been postponed until 2028. The helicopters will be assigned to the 114th “Night Carriers” Squadron of the Israeli Air Force (Chejl-ha Awir), based at Tel Nof Air Base in the Central District.
Elbit Systems has been awarded an approximately $130M contract by the @Israel_MOD to integrate advanced Israeli technologies on the CH‑53K “Pereh” helicopters.
The program includes command and control, avionics, electronic warfare, and DIRCM systems, tailored to the operational… pic.twitter.com/t4hP7Xi9Ta
— Elbit Systems (@ElbitSystemsLtd) February 5, 2026
אבן דרך נוספת בעסקת רכש מסוק העתיד של צה"ל: משרד הביטחון חתם על הסכם עם חברת 'אלביט מערכות' לשילוב חבילת מערכות ישראליות במסוק ה-CH-53K "פרא", בהיקף של מעל 400 מיליון ש"ח.
להמשך קריאה:https://t.co/0hhnAkKoUk pic.twitter.com/HvyiWZW0gs
— משרד הביטחון (@MoDIsrael) February 5, 2026
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