The contract is expected to stabilise the U.S. industrial base by supporting thousands of production roles at Sikorsky and across its supply chain, which spans 267 suppliers across 37 states and 17 suppliers from eight countries. The agreement combines five separate aircraft orders, known as Lots 9–13, into a consolidated procurement, ensuring predictable pricing and consistent material flow.

“This award reflects trust and confidence in Sikorsky to deliver these technologically advanced, heavy-lift helicopters that will revolutionise the Marine Corps’ operational capabilities by adding unrivalled power, performance, survivability and dependability to the fleet,” said 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, optimise production efficiencies and stabilise our supply chain and workforce.”

To date, Sikorsky has delivered 20 CH-53K aircraft to the Marine Corps, while an additional 63 units from Lots 4–8 are in various stages of production and assembly. The aircraft has already transitioned one Marine Corps fleet squadron and is flying with developmental, operational and training squadrons.

Col. Kate Fleeger, Program Manager for the H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopter Program Office (PMA-261), called the award a major achievement: “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.”

Designed to transport troops, supplies and heavy equipment across contested environments, the CH-53K programme was declared in Full Rate Production by the Department of the Navy in December 2022. The Marine Corps’ Programme of Record remains at 200 aircraft.