The Marine Corps plans to deploy the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter from the East Coast in 2026, a year later than previously anticipated. The deployment will be with a Marine expeditionary unit, according to Col. Kate Fleeger, the helicopter’s program manager, speaking at the Navy League’s Sea-Air-Space conference in National Harbor, Maryland.
The Corps has adjusted its plans for heavy-lift helicopter squadrons on the East Coast, with both Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadrons 464 and 461 now remaining in the fleet, as stated by Fleeger.
Before deploying the King Stallion, the Marine Corps wants to ensure there are enough spare components and repair capabilities in the United States to avoid any deficits, said Fleeger.
Sikorsky has delivered 14 King Stallions to the Marine Corps out of the 79 total on contract, which includes 12 for Israel. The King Stallion is touted as the most powerful helicopter in the U.S. military, designed to provide logistics support to Marines in the Indo-Pacific.
The King Stallion won’t reach full operational capability until 2029, but it has already demonstrated its power in domestic missions, such as recovering downed Navy helicopters in California.
