The Israeli Ministry of Defense confirmed on December 30, 2021, Tel Aviv will purchase 12 Lockheed Martin CH-53K helicopters for about $2 billion and two more Boeing KC-46 refueling aircraft, adding to two were purchased for about $1.1 billion. .
“The procurement agreements are another important milestone in the IDF’s force-building process. We continue to strengthen, transform and adapt the Air Force to the challenges of the future, near and especially far from Israel’s borders,” said Defense Minister Bnei Gantz.
Joshua (Shiki) Shani, CEO of Lockheed Martin Israel, said of the agreement: “Lockheed Martin is committed and proud to continue to support the Air Force as part of a longstanding partnership with the State of Israel. The CH-53K will help the Air Force continue to fulfill its mission as the safest, most reliable and most efficient heavy transport helicopter, and will help strengthen the national security of the State of Israel in the future. coming decades. “
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The scope of the deal is estimated at $2 billion from US aid funds. The agreement with the US Navy (NAVY), through which the helicopter will be purchased, was signed by the head of the procurement delegation, Brigadier General (Res.) Michel Ben Baruch. The deal includes the option to purchase six more helicopters. The first helicopters are expected to arrive in Israel in 2026.
The chief procurement officer of the Ministry of Defense also signed an agreement to purchase two more Boeing KC-46 refueling aircraft.
The amount of the deal from US aid funds is estimated at $1.1 billion.
The refueling aircraft, which will be added to the two refueling units already purchased (four in total), will be tailored to the Israeli configuration and Air Force operational requirements. In addition, Israeli systems will also be integrated into the aircraft.
The US State Department has approved the sale of up to eight KC-46 tankers and related equipment to Israel by March 2021.
The acquisition of these platforms is part of a large-scale move, promoted by the Department of Defense together with the IDF over the past year and a half, to strengthen the IDF’s capabilities and build strength in the face of challenges. current and future threats, included in the third circle.
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