Skip to site menu Skip to page content US Marine Corps declared IOC for CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter. Credit: US Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Colton Brownlee/PRNewswire.
The US Marine Corps (USMC) has confirmed the initial operational capability (IOC) of the heavy-lift helicopter, CH-53K King Stallion.
The milestone achievement comes after the successful initial operational testing and evaluation (IOT&E) of test vignettes, which was completed earlier this year.
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
Find out more
The IOC further validates the CH-53K helicopter’s operational readiness to forward deploy the equipment and troops across the world.
Manufactured by Lockheed Martin’s company Sikorsky, the CH-53K helicopter allows the USMC and international militaries to effectively transport equipment and Marines Corps from ship to shore and to higher altitude terrain.
The aircraft is designed with digitally enhanced modern maintenance support to deliver increased mission readiness.
Sikorsky president Paul Lemmo said: “This declaration is a vote of confidence from Marine Corps leadership and demonstrates the critical role of the CH-53K, giving forces more range and agility to conduct expeditionary heavy-lift assault transport of armoured vehicles, equipment, and personnel.
GlobalData Strategic Intelligence US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalData Learn more about Strategic Intelligence
“This capability is critical in the Indo-Pacific region and around the globe in support of the joint force and allies.”
After the successful flight tests in the fleet environment conducted by the USMC, the CH-53K is on track for its scheduled deployment.
The helicopter has already flown more than 3,000 flight hours, demonstrating the capabilities of the aircraft in conducting a variety of missions, including extreme hot and cold environments.
Following the IOC declaration, the USMC will announce the full-rate production decision next year, with an expected approved acquisition objective of 200 CH-53K helicopters.
Currently, production of seven aircraft is underway at the company’s CH-53K production line in Stratford, Connecticut, including the delivery of three aircraft set to take place later this year.
Under a US Navy foreign military sales (FMS) agreement, the Government of Israel has purchased 46 aircraft, including four heavy-lift helicopters and 14 aircraft for long-lead material.
Sign up for our daily news round-up!
Give your business an edge with our leading industry insights.
Nominations are now closed for the Naval Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact. Excellence in Action Virtualitics has secured the Innovation and Business Expansion awards for its Integrated Readiness Optimization (IRO) suite. Discover how its explainable AI is transforming maintenance, sustainment and mission readiness, giving defence leaders faster, clearer, and more confident operational decisions.
Experience unmatched clarity with a single platform that combines unique data, AI, and human expertise.
Find out more
Sign up for our daily news round-up!
Give your business an edge with our leading industry insights.
Give your business an edge with our leading industry insights.
close close
Sign up to the newsletter: In Brief
Industry * Academia & Education Aerospace, Defense & Security Agriculture Asset Management Automotive Banking & Payments Chemicals Construction Consumer Foodservice Government, trade bodies and NGOs Health & Fitness Hospitals & Healthcare HR, Staffing & Recruitment Insurance Investment Banking Legal Services Management Consulting Marketing & Advertising Media & Publishing Medical Devices Mining Oil & Gas Packaging Pharmaceuticals Power & Utilities Private Equity Real Estate Retail Sport Technology Telecom Transportation & Logistics Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Venture Capital Country * UK USA Afghanistan Åland Islands Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Democratic Republic of the Congo Cook Islands Costa Rica
GlobalData Strategic Intelligence US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate? 
