Sikorsky has begun the assembly process for CH-53K helicopters destined for the Israeli Air Force, according to the Israeli Ministry of Defense. Sikorsky has received the cockpit and cabin sections of the first CH-53K helicopter for final assembly, the country’s defense ministry said in a social media post. It’s expected the first helicopter will arrive in 2028, replacing the air force’s CH-53 Sea Stallion (Sikorsky S-65) “Yas’ur” heavy-lift transport helicopters. “The CH-53K ‘Pereh’ helicopters will be adapted to the Israeli Air Force’s operational needs and will bring a payload capacity of up to three times that of the existing CH-53D ‘Yas’ur’ helicopters, higher flight speed, enhanced battlefield survivability, and operational efficiency,” said the defense ministry. “The helicopter features state-of-the-art digital flight and control systems that enhance flight safety and routine maintenance.”