Sikorsky Lands Nearly $2.8 Billion Contract With Marines for New Helicopters

    Aug. 25, 2023

    By Alexander Soule

    Source Connecticut Post, Bridgeport (TNS)

    Aug. 24—Sikorsky got a nearly $2.8 billion contract for the first mass-production order of a new heavy-lift helicopter for the Marine Corps, which will provide steady work at the Lockheed Martin subsidiary's Stratford headquarters for the coming decade.

    Just over 40 percent of the work for the new contract will be performed in Stratford, with the rest farmed out to other facilities and contractors.

    The U.S. Department of Defense wants 35 CH-53K helicopters, adding to several early aircraft Sikorsky has already delivered to the Marines which have accumulated more than 1,000 flight hours among other milestones. The helicopter is designed to tote up to 27,000 pounds more than 125 miles, triple the carrying capacity of the Sikorsky CH-53E helicopter it is replacing.

    "Our long-standing partnership led to this best value contract award providing the capability and readiness the Marines need," said Sikorsky President Paul Lemmo.

    Eight of the aircraft will be sold to Israel, adding to an initial procurement of four CH-53Ks for the Israeli Defense Forces.

    In all, the Pentagon wants a fleet of 200 CH-53K helicopters, with Sikorsky also continuing to produce Black Hawk helicopters for the U.S. Army and foreign militaries, Seahawks for the Navy and the new Jolly Green II rescue helicopter for the Air Force.

    Indonesia officials revealed on Wednesday plans to purchase up to 24 Black Hawk helicopters that will be assembled at Lockheed Martin's PZL factory in Poland.

    Sikorsky last year missed out on a major contract with the Army for the helicopters that would replace the Black Hawks. Some layoffs at the company followed, but this latest contract brings welcome news for Sikorsky.

    "Today's announcement is a testament to the highly skilled Sikorsky workforce and supply chain companies who build the world's best helicopters. These 35 aircraft represent a boon both to our national defense and to our state's economy." Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D- Conn., said.

    ___

    (c)2023 the Connecticut Post (Bridgeport, Conn.)

    Visit the Connecticut Post (Bridgeport, Conn.) at www.ctpost.com

    Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.