Lockheed Martin Sikorsky Secures 5-Year Deal to Build Up to 99 CH-53K Heavy-Lift Helicopters for U.S. Marines
- Ritambhara K
- Sep 30
- 2 min read
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company has secured 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 the next five years. This marks the largest order to date for the aircraft and will ensure steady deliveries of America’s most powerful heavy-lift helicopter between 2029 and 2034. Beyond meeting operational needs, the contract will reinforce the U.S. industrial base by sustaining thousands of production jobs at Sikorsky and across its extensive nationwide supply chain.
According to Rich Benton, Sikorsky vice president and general manager, the agreement demonstrates the Navy’s trust and confidence in the company’s ability to deliver advanced heavy-lift helicopters that will enhance the Marine Corps’ operational capabilities. He noted that the CH-53K brings unmatched power, performance, survivability, and reliability to the fleet. Benton also emphasized that the multi-year contract will allow Sikorsky to partner closely with the Department of the Navy to improve long-term affordability, optimize production efficiency, and stabilize both the workforce and supply chain, ensuring Marines retain a strategic advantage in an increasingly complex battlespace.
The award consolidates five separate orders, known as Lots 9 through 13, into a five-year multi-year procurement. This structure guarantees predictable pricing and a consistent flow of materials, supported by a network of 267 suppliers across 37 states and 17 suppliers from eight different countries. In addition to equipping the Marine Corps, the contract provides flexibility for the U.S. government to fulfill international orders.
To date, Sikorsky has delivered 20 CH-53K helicopters to the Marine Corps, with another 63 aircraft from Lots 4 through 8 currently in production or assembly. Col. Kate Fleeger, Program Manager for the H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopter Program Office (PMA-261), described the new contract as a major achievement for the CH-53K team. She explained that bundling supplier purchase orders allows Sikorsky to secure better pricing, reduce costs for the government, and ensure dependable, predictable deliveries to the fleet, while also providing a clear timeline for transitioning from the CH-53E to the new model.
So far, the Marine Corps has stood up one CH-53K fleet squadron, while additional helicopters are in service with a developmental test squadron, an operational test squadron, and a training squadron to meet operational and readiness needs.
The CH-53K was designed specifically to meet the Marine Corps’ demanding lift requirements on today’s battlefield. It is built to transport troops, supplies, and heavy equipment across contested environments and withstand the challenges of combat operations. In December 2022, the Department of the Navy approved Full Rate Production of the helicopter, and the Marine Corps’ official program of record remains at 200 CH-53K aircraft.
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