Stratford-Based Sikorsky Wins New Military Helicopter Contract

STRATFORD, CT — Sikorsky, the Stratford-based division of Lockheed Martin Corporation, has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Navy to build nine CH-53K™ Heavy Lift Helicopters at its Connecticut manufacturing plant, officials announced.

The helicopters are part of an order that will go to the U.S. Marine Corps, and are scheduled to be delivered in 2024.

"Our aggressive focus on quality and affordability and strong government-industry partnership has successfully reduced the aircraft price," said Bill Falk, Sikorsky CH-53K program director, in a statement.

The Connecticut Post reported that the contract for the helicopters is worth $878.7 million, and Sikorsky could also build another nine under a contract worth $852.5 million.

"We look forward to expanding our digital-build and production and delivering this advanced heavy lift aircraft as quickly as possible to the Marine Corps, joint force, and our allies," Falk added. "Our nationwide network of suppliers is contributing to cost reduction efforts and this award will continue our collaboration, realizing even more efficiencies."

Called King Stallions, the CH-53K helicopters will be used "to conduct expeditionary heavy-lift assault transport of armored vehicles, equipment and personnel to support distributed operations deep inland from a sea-based center of operations," according to Sikorsky.

Some of those operations will be in the "Indo-Pacific region," officials said.