Sikorsky secures $10.85 billion Navy contract for up to 99 King Stallion helicopters

According to Colonel Kate Fleeger, Program Manager for the H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopter Program Office (PMA-261), "This contract represents a huge 'win' for the entire CH-53K team. 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."

Currently, one operational squadron in the US Marine Corps—Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 (HMH-461), known as “Ironhorse”—has transitioned fully to operating the CH-53K. Based at Marine Corps Air Station New River in North Carolina, HMH-461 is noted as the oldest active heavy lift helicopter squadron in Marine Corps history. The unit began transitioning from its previous aircraft model in 2022.

Internationally, Israel is retraining one of its squadrons on the new model after using legacy Sea Stallions. Other countries have phased out their Sea Stallions except Iran, which still operates several older versions.

The King Stallion can carry three times more than its predecessor due to three engines producing a combined 22,500 shaft horsepower. The helicopter features digital systems designed with input from operational experience within Marine Air-Ground Task Force units. Upgrades include open architecture systems for future enhancements and advanced maintenance prediction capabilities.

As of now, Sikorsky has delivered 20 CH-53K helicopters to the Marine Corps. An additional 63 are reported by Seapower Magazine as being at various stages of assembly.

The design improvements also extend to an enlarged cabin that accommodates larger cargo loads such as Humvees or pallets without needing reconfiguration of troop seating arrangements.

The procurement aims not only at modernizing Marine Corps aviation assets but also supports domestic manufacturing across multiple states through its supply chain network.