(Reuters) - Sikorsky, a unit of Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT), said on Thursday it was awarded a $2.7 billion contract by the U.S. Navy to build 35 additional CH-53K helicopters.
The CH-53K has three times the carrying power of its predecessor and made its international debut at the Berlin Air Show in 2018.
The agreement includes 12 U.S. Marine Corps Lot 7 aircraft, 15 U.S. Marine Corps Lot 8 aircraft, and eight aircraft for Israel.
"This contract award for 35 CH-53K helicopters stabilizes Sikorsky's nationwide supply base, creates additional production efficiencies," said Sikorsky's president Paul Lemmo.
Sikorsky said it will begin delivery of these aircraft in 2026.