Lockheed Martin Sikorsky Receives Five-Year Contract to Build Up to 99 CH-53K® Heavy Lift Helicopters for the U.S. Marine Corps

Core Points - Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, has received a $10.855 billion contract from the U.S. Navy to produce up to 99 CH-53K King Stallion helicopters for the U.S. Marine Corps over five years, marking the largest order for this aircraft to date [1][3] - The contract aims to ensure consistent deliveries of the CH-53K helicopters from 2029 to 2034, stabilizing the U.S. industrial base and sustaining thousands of production jobs at Sikorsky and its supply chain [1][3] - The contract consolidates five separate aircraft orders into a multi-year procurement, enhancing price predictability and ensuring a steady flow of materials from 267 suppliers across 37 states and 17 international suppliers [3] Production and Delivery - Sikorsky has delivered 20 CH-53K helicopters to the U.S. Marine Corps, with an additional 63 helicopters currently in various stages of production and assembly [3] - The U.S. Marine Corps has transitioned one CH-53K fleet squadron and has operational and training squadrons supporting its requirements [3] Strategic Importance - The CH-53K helicopter is designed to meet the Marine Corps' lift requirements in modern battlefields, capable of transporting troops, supplies, and heavy equipment while ensuring survivability [3] - The Department of the Navy declared Full Rate Production for the CH-53K program in December 2022, with a Program of Record for 200 aircraft [3]