The U.S. Marine Corps has taken delivery of two additional CH-53K King Stallion helicopters as Sikorsky continues production of the service’s next-generation heavy-lift aircraft. Lockheed Martin confirmed the delivery on January 28, 2026, following successful acceptance testing by U.S. Navy and Marine Corps evaluation teams, marking another step in the gradual phase-out of the legacy CH-53E Super Stallion.
The newly delivered helicopters were accepted under established Navy-Marine Corps handover procedures and produced at Sikorsky’s domestic facilities. Their arrival contributes to the steady growth of the operational CH-53K fleet as the program moves into sustained production. Marine Corps planners view these incremental deliveries as essential to maintaining heavy-lift capacity during the transition period between legacy and new platforms.
The CH-53K program is supported by a multi-year production contract awarded in April 2023, which underpins the Marine Corps’ requirement for 200 aircraft. The agreement emphasizes cost control, production stability, and the incorporation of lessons learned from early operational use. Defense analysts note that this approach reflects a broader effort to avoid the cost growth and sustainment challenges that affected earlier acquisition programs.
From a capability standpoint, the CH-53K represents a major leap over its predecessor. The helicopter’s three 7,500-shp GE T408 engines and advanced main gearbox allow it to lift heavy payloads in extreme environmental conditions typical of expeditionary operations. Combined with its digital flight controls, expanded cargo volume, and high service ceiling, the King Stallion provides the Marine Corps with a critical mobility and sustainment asset for amphibious assault, distributed operations, and high-intensity conflict scenarios.
