Modern-Aviation

This final agreement came after the State Department approved a potential $3.4 billion Foreign Military Sale of 18 King Stallions to Israel last July to replace the legacy CH-53D Yasur fleet.

Israel’s Yasur rotorcraft have been in-service for more than 50 years.

“We’re happy the IAF recognizes the unrivaled capabilities and performance of the K and have chosen to move forward with us,” Col. Jack Perrin, Program Manager for heavy lift helicopter program office, said in a statement.

According to the LoA, first deliveries of the CH-53K are planned for 2025.

During a Dec. 3 ceremony held in Saint-Cloud, France, Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, signed a historical contract with Tareq Abdul Raheem Al Hosani, CEO of Tawazun Economic Council, in charge of security and defense acquisitions, for the acquisition of 80 Rafale F4 for the United Arab Emirates Air Force & Air Defence (UAE AF & AD).

Under the new contract, the Emirates Air Force will become the first Rafale F4 user outside of France.

"I wish to thank the authorities of the Emirates for their renewed confidence in our aircraft," Trappier said in a statement. "After the Mirage 5 and Mirage 2000, this Rafale contract consolidates the strategic relationship that binds our two countries and the satisfaction of the Emirates Air Force, a long-standing and demanding partner of our company. I wish to underline the quality and effectiveness of the relationship between the French authorities and industry, which contributed to this success by team France."

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) signed a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) with the U.S. to procure the Lockheed Martin Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion heavy lift helicopter on Dec. 30.