Lockheed Martin announced on Friday that its subsidiary Sikorsky has secured a nearly $11 billion contract from the U.S. Navy to build up to 99 CH-53K King Stallion helicopters.
The defense giant said this marks the largest order to date for the aircraft, which is used to transport troops, supplies, and heavy equipment.
The CH-53K features three 7,500 shaft horsepower engines designed for heavy-lift missions, making it a core asset for the U.S. Marine Corps.
Five-Year Deal Extends to International Buyers
The five-year contract allows the U.S. government to purchase up to 99 aircraft for the Marine Corps or fulfill orders from international military customers.
Sikorsky plans to deliver the helicopters between 2029 and 2034.
This agreement underscores the Navy’s long-term commitment to modernizing its rotary-wing fleet and meeting both domestic and allied demand.
Sikorsky’s Broader Order Book Expands
The new deal follows a $1.6 billion order Sikorsky received last month for five Seahawk maritime helicopters and two Airbus jets from New Zealand.
These orders highlight the global reach of Lockheed Martin’s aviation business, which continues to attract significant interest from allied nations upgrading their fleets.
Lockheed Faces Challenges Despite Big Win
Despite the blockbuster contract, Lockheed Martin reported in July that its profit had fallen by 80% after recording a pre-tax loss of $1.6 billion linked to a classified Aeronautics program.
The setback underscores the volatility of the defense sector even as demand for key platforms remains robust.
Still, the CH-53K deal positions Sikorsky as a cornerstone supplier of heavy-lift capability for the U.S. military and allied forces in the coming decade.
Deliveries under the new contract are expected to ramp up gradually, supporting jobs and production across the company’s supply chain.