CH-53K (Heavy Lift)

The CH-53K (Heavy Lift) program is the Navy's initiative to procure the next-generation heavy-lift helicopter for the Marine Corps, replacing the aging CH-53E Super Stallion. The primary goal of this program is to provide the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Commander with a modern platform capable of transporting heavy equipment, combat troops, and supplies in support of expeditionary, joint, and combined operations. The CH-53K is designed to address operational concerns with the legacy aircraft, such as performance degradation, fatigue life, interoperability, and maintenance supportability. It offers significant improvements in range, payload, reliability, maintainability, and survivability.

The program's objectives for FY 2026 focus on the procurement of Full Rate Production (FRP) Lot 10, which consists of twelve aircraft, as well as the acquisition of Airframe Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) requirements and advance procurement for Lot 11 long-lead materials. These procurement activities are structured under multi-year contracts to achieve cost efficiencies and maintain a steady production schedule. The program is managed by the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), with Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation as the prime contractor for airframes and General Electric Company for engines.

Advance Procurement funds are critical for acquiring long-lead materials and components that require extended production lead-times, such as forward fuselage structural assemblies, transition structural assemblies, tail pylon assemblies, landing gear, main rotor servos, and avionics systems. These procurements ensure that production timelines are met and support the Marine Aviation Plan and the CH-53E replacement schedule. The distribution of advance procurement funding between Contractor Furnished Equipment (CFE) and Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) is continually adjusted based on evolving production lead-times and pricing negotiations.

Support Equipment and Training are also key objectives within this line item. The program funds the phased procurement of Peculiar Ground Support Equipment (PGSE) for airframe, engine, and avionics components to establish organic repair capabilities at both intermediate and depot levels. Additionally, training equipment is procured to support the Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) and facilitate the transition from CH-53E to CH-53K within the operational fleet. These investments are aligned with requirements for Initial Operating Capability (IOC) and long-term sustainment as mandated by 10 US Code 2464/Navy Support Date.

Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) requirements in FY 2026 address critical obsolescence issues, avionics software updates, and integration activities, as well as supplier production rate tooling. Specific NRE efforts include integration and productionization of Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) systems, Avionics Management System (AMS) software integration, and redesign of the On-board Inert Gas Generating System (OBIGGS) to mitigate obsolescence risks. These activities are essential for maintaining fleet configuration, reducing future sustainment costs, and ensuring continued operational relevance.

Publications, Technical Data, and Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) are funded to capture the production aircraft configuration and support intermediate and depot-level repair capabilities. This includes the development and validation of technical manuals, procedures, and product support packages necessary for organic maintenance and depot capability establishment. Production Engineering Support funds provide annualized government and contractor support services to oversee and manage the production program.

Initial Spares and Sustainment funding continues to build the inventory of T408 engine spares and peculiar support equipment, ensuring that the growing CH-53K fleet is adequately supported for deployed flight operations. The program also incorporates cost reduction measures and workforce optimization initiatives in line with executive orders aimed at government efficiency. The CH-53K (Heavy Lift) line item is structured to deliver a modern, reliable, and capable heavy-lift helicopter fleet that meets the evolving operational needs of the Marine Corps and supports national security and maritime strategies.