As Israel Modernizes Military, Lawmakers Urge Consideration of Sikorsky CH-53K ‘King Stallion’ Helicopter

WASHINGTON, DC (April 26, 2017) — As Israel plans to modernize its military in the coming decade, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Susan Collins (R-ME) and U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Jim Himes (CT-04), John Larson (CT-01), and Elizabeth Esty (CT-05) today sent a letter to the Israeli Minister of Defense encouraging the country to consider procuring the CH-53K King Stallion. Israel currently operates a CH-53K predecessor aircraft, the CH-53 Yas'ur, and selecting the CH-53K would continue to support the U.S.-Israeli strategic partnership through the continued use of common airframes.

"As the most powerful U.S. helicopter, the U.S. Marine Corps will rely on the CH-53K to complete an array of missions on land and at sea for decades to come, as they have done successfully with CH-53 predecessors for over half a century. The strong track record of CH-53 predecessor aircraft for both our countries make us confident that the CH-53K will meet Israel's rotary requirements for rescue operations, transport missions, and tactical troop lifts," wrote the Members. "As our strongest ally in an unpredictable region, Israel stands to strengthen our strategic partnership with the continued use of common airframes. We thank you for your consideration of this premier aircraft and look forward to continuing to ensure that Israel remains a secure and stable state with the support of the finest defense systems available."

The full letter is available here.