Israel MoD to Integrate Indigenous Electronics Package into CH-54K Helicopters

Israel’s Ministry of Defense has signed an agreement worth more than 400 million shekels (nearly $130 million) with Elbit Systems to integrate an Israeli-developed electronics package into the CH-53K heavy transport helicopters.

The deal was inked as part of preparations to induct the CH-53K fleet, locally designated “Para,” which is expected to replace the aging Yasur helicopters. The company will integrate locally-made command-and-control systems, avionics, electronic warfare suites, warning systems, and DIRCM missile defense systems into 12 helicopters.

The helicopters were acquired through a U.S. Foreign Military Sales deal, are being built by Lockheed Martin Sikorsky in Connecticut, and will be modified to meet Israeli operational requirements.