Tel Aviv. Israel air force (IAF) has prepared a list of Israeli developed systems that will be installed on the new Lockheed Martin CH-53 K heavy helicopters.

After a long delay the IAF selected the Lockheed Martin’s CH-53K as the replacement for the old CH-53 now is service. The other option was Boeing CH-47.

Israel Defense Minister Benny Gantz accepted the recommendations presented by IDF Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi, and Defense Ministry Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Eshel to select Lockheed Martin’s CH-53K helicopters as the IDF’s new heavy lift helicopter as part of the IDF’s “Tnufa” (Momentum) multi-year plan. These will replace the CH-53 “Yassur” helicopters in service by the IAF since the late 1960s.

The IAF has prepared a list of Israeli developed systems that will be installed on the new helicopter. The options are to install the systems in the production line in the US or in Israel after the helicopters arrive.

The list is mainly of classified EW and communication systems that have been developed based on the vast operational experience of the IAF.

The IAF wants around 20 CH-53K but the initial order may be for a smaller number. This is because of budget limitations.

-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist