As a further step in building its future CH-53K helicopter fleet, the Israeli Air Force has announced a new investment that will enable Elbit Systems to modify the platform’s design with new avionics, electronic warfare, and countermeasures systems—shaping what will become the “Pereh” variant. According to the official statement, this is a contract already signed by Israel’s Ministry of Defense through the Defense Procurement Directorate, valued at more than USD 130 million.
It is worth recalling that Israel is expecting to receive a fleet of around 12 CH-53K helicopters in total, which will be inducted to replace the aging “Yas’ur” fleet. This acquisition is being carried out through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, and the most recent update is that Sikorsky (a Lockheed Martin subsidiary) began production at its main facilities in Connecticut this past August.
More specifically, the company indicated that the first units are currently in the assembly stage at the aforementioned plant. Once that phase is completed, the helicopters will be moved to a separate production line specifically established to convert the original U.S. baseline design into the Israeli configuration. There, Elbit Systems is expected to introduce upgrades primarily focused on the CH-53K cockpit, as well as changes intended to make the platform better suited for operating in harsh geographic environments and to enable faster detection of potential landing zones.
Along those lines, it should be highlighted that Israel’s new helicopters will also be equipped with a new DIRCM missile-defense system, described by its manufacturer as a countermeasure that combines fiber-laser technology with a high-frame-rate thermal camera and a small dome with dynamic mirrors. As such, the system is already integrated on both Israeli commercial platforms and military platforms operated by foreign customers, including the Italian Air Force’s C-27J, C-130J, and AW101 fleets, as well as the Brazilian Air Force’s KC-390s.
Additionally, following the announcement, it is useful to cite Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, who stated: “This agreement marks an important milestone in strengthening the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and ensuring the Israeli Air Force’s operational advantage for the coming years. Integrating cutting-edge Israeli systems into the most advanced heavy-lift helicopter in the world ensures these platforms are fully adapted to Israel’s unique combat needs.”
From Elbit Systems, President and CEO Bezhalel Machlis said: “We are honored to take part in the flagship project to modernize the helicopter fleet and meet the Israeli Air Force’s complex requirements 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 needs and provide an optimal advanced technological infrastructure for mission execution and pilot safety.”
*Images used for illustrative purposes
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