Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky Lands $11 Billion U.S. Navy Contract for CH-53K King Stallion Helicopters

Lockheed Martin announced that its subsidiary, Sikorsky, has secured a major defense contract worth nearly $11 billion from the U.S. Navy. Under this agreement, Sikorsky will produce up to 99 CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopters, marking the largest order to date for the aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled to take place between 2029 and 2034.

The CH-53K King Stallion, powered by three 7,500 shaft horsepower engines, is designed to transport Marines, supplies, and heavy equipment across challenging terrains. This advanced helicopter plays a critical role in modern military operations, particularly in supporting the U.S. Marine Corps. The five-year contract also provides flexibility for the U.S. government to allocate aircraft for international military customers, further strengthening Lockheed Martin’s global defense footprint.

This latest deal highlights the Pentagon’s continued investment in next-generation rotary-wing platforms. The King Stallion’s enhanced lift capacity, range, and reliability make it a key asset for future battlefield mobility and logistics. The order underscores the helicopter’s growing importance not only to the Marine Corps but also to allied defense forces worldwide.

The agreement follows another recent win for Sikorsky. In August, the company secured a $1.6 billion contract from New Zealand to supply five Seahawk maritime helicopters and two Airbus jets. These consecutive contracts demonstrate Sikorsky’s strong position in the global defense market and continued demand for its advanced aircraft.

Despite these major wins, Lockheed Martin reported in July an 80% drop in quarterly profit, driven largely by a pre-tax loss of $1.6 billion tied to a classified program within its Aeronautics division. Still, the long-term revenue potential from contracts such as the CH-53K program could help offset short-term financial challenges.

With this record-setting contract, Sikorsky’s CH-53K King Stallion cements its role as one of the most powerful heavy-lift helicopters in the world, ensuring Lockheed Martin remains a leading force in the defense aerospace sector.