The U.S. Navy has awarded Sikorsky a $1.13 billion contract for the procurement of 12 Lot II and Lot III low-rate initial production CH-53K heavy-lift helicopters, which are replacing Marine Corps CH-53Es. The program covers the acquisition of 200 aircraft for the Marines.
The FY20 budget includes $969 million for six aircraft, and a total of 74 CH-53Ks are funded between FY20 and FY24.
Shaun's deep-rooted interest in military equipment continues in his role as a senior defense analyst with a focus on the United States. He played an integral role in the development of Forecast International's U.S. Defense Budget Forecast, an interactive online product that tracks Pentagon acquisition programs throughout the congressional budget process. As editor of International Military Markets – North America, Shaun has cultivated a deep understanding of the vast defense markets in the United States and Canada. He is a regular contributor to Forecast International's Defense & Security Monitor blog and has co-authored white papers on global defense spending and various military programs.