Sikorsky Secures $10.9 Billion U.S. Navy Contract to Build CH-53K Helicopters

Sikorsky, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, has been awarded a $10.855 billion contract by the U.S. Navy to build up to 99 CH-53K King Stallion helicopters for the U.S. Marine Corps over a five-year period.

This is the largest production order to date for the CH-53K, the most powerful heavy-lift helicopter in the U.S. military’s inventory.

According to Lockheed Martin, the contract ensures consistent deliveries from 2029 to 2034 and reinforces the U.S. industrial base by supporting thousands of jobs at Sikorsky and throughout its national supply chain.

The agreement combines five separate aircraft orders (Lots 9–13) into a multi-year procurement, offering cost predictability and a steady flow of materials from 267 suppliers across 37 U.S. states, as well as 17 suppliers in eight other countries. It also provides flexibility for the U.S. government to fulfill potential international orders.

To date, Sikorsky has delivered 20 CH-53K helicopters to the Marine Corps. An additional 63 aircraft from Lots 4 through 8 are currently in various stages of production and assembly.

The Marine Corps has already transitioned one operational CH-53K fleet squadron and operates the aircraft in a developmental test squadron, an operational test squadron, and a training squadron to support mission readiness.

In December 2022, the Department of the Navy approved Full Rate Production for the CH-53K program. The Marine Corps' Program of Record remains at 200 aircraft.