Sikorsky has received a $10.855 billion contract from the U.S. Navy to build up to 99 CH-53K King Stallion helicopters for the U.S. Marine Corps over five years. It marked the largest-quantity order so far for the aircraft and ensured consistent deliveries of the heavy-lift helicopter between 2029 and 2034.

“This award reflects trust and confidence in Sikorsky to deliver these technologically advanced, heavy-lift helicopters that will revolutionize the Marine Corps’ operational capabilities by adding unrivaled power, performance, survivability and dependability to the fleet,” says Rich Benton, Sikorsky vice president and general manager. “The multi-year contract enables Sikorsky to partner with the Department of the Navy to drive long-term affordability, optimize production efficiencies and stabilize our supply chain and workforce, ensuring the Marines maintain the strategic advantage with the CH-53K in a rapidly evolving battlespace.”

The deal combined five separate orders, Lots 9-13, into one five-year agreement, creating stable pricing and consistent supply flow from 267 U.S. suppliers across 37 states and 17 suppliers in eight countries. It also gave the government the option to allocate aircraft to international customers.

Sikorsky has delivered 20 CH-53K aircraft, while 63 more from earlier lots remain in production. “This contract represents a huge win for the entire CH-53K team,” says Col. Kate Fleeger, Program Manager, H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopter Program Office (PMA-261). “The contract allows Sikorsky to bundle purchase orders from suppliers to achieve better pricing and pass the savings on to the government, giving us the ability to provide dependable delivery to the fleet and a consistent and predictable timeline for the transition from the CH-53E to the CH-53K.”

One Marine Corps squadron has already transitioned to the type, with CH-53Ks also serving at developmental, operational and training squadrons. Full Rate Production was declared in December 2022, and the Program of Record remains at 200 aircraft.