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IDF’s new helicopter was selected: Lockheed Martin’s CH53K will serve as the IDF’s new heavy-lift aircraft, as part of the IDF’s “Tnufa” (Momentum), multi-year plan. The helicopters will replace the Yassur helicopters employed by the IAF since the late 1960s. 

Defense Minister, Benny Gantz accepted the recommendations presented by the IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Aviv Kohavi, and Defense Ministry Director-General, Maj. Gen. (Res.), Amir Eshel, following a professional assessment that included test flights in all the proposed aircraft, as well as a thorough examination of the various alternatives in terms of engineering, technological, maintenance and other considerations. All details, including the number of helicopters requested, will be brought to the approval of the Ministerial Committee for Procurement as soon as possible, according to IMoD announcement. 

Defense Minister, Benny Gantz: “The decision to purchase new heavy-lift helicopters for the IAF, after decades, is a significant step in progressing the IDF’s force build-up. It is also essential to the IDF’s ability to carry out a wide range of operational activities. The new helicopter is adapted to the [IAF’s] operational requirements and to the challenges of the changing battlefield.” 

Photos by Lockheed Martin