Sikorsky Gets Contract To Build 200 Helicopters for U.S. Marine Corps

STRATFORD, CT — Sikorsky will build 200 CH-53K King Stallion helicopters for the U.S. Marine Corps following the U.S. Department of Defense’s approval of the project this week.

“The headline is that these state-of-the-art helicopters will be made in Connecticut,” Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said in a statement. “This is an exciting milestone for Sikorsky and for our state. Competition in today’s worldwide economic climate is fierce, and Connecticut has shown we remain a valued leader where businesses can access one of the most well educated, productive workforces and maintain a competitive edge well into the future.

“This isn’t only about Sikorsky – it’s also about the supply chain companies and the thousands of employees in every corner of our state who will benefit. That’s why we worked so hard to ensure the CH-53K King Stallion would be built right here in Connecticut.”

State Sen. Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford) said this is “exactly” why he voted to keep Sikorsky jobs in Connecticut.

“The best helicopters in the world are made right here – nobody else does it better,” Kelly said in a statement. “This news is an acknowledgment of the quality and talented workforce we have and I believe that this is a step forward in an effort to bring back a business climate which welcomes jobs, economic growth and opportunity.”

The new helicopter can lift 36,000 pounds and would replace the CH-53E Super Stallion, which has been used for field logistics by the United States Marines since the mid-1980s.

“At the end of the day, when it comes to helicopters, Sikorsky is second to none,” Kelly said. “As legislators we need to continue to make decisions that will benefit the hard-working, middle-class families of our state, decisions that produce results. I have no doubt that this announcement will not only benefit Sikorsky, but many of the vendors and suppliers across Connecticut.”

Senate Republican President Len Fasano (R-North Haven) said the project is “an important accomplishment for a company that is so valued and contributes so much to our state.”

“To see this project come to Connecticut is a testament to our talented workforce and shows the importance of the efforts made by Gov. Malloy and Commissioner Smith to bring lawmakers together to keep Sikorsky jobs in our state for the next generation," Fasano said.

File photo

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