Israel Signs Deal to Buy $3.1 Billion in US Helicopters, Tankers

A photograph of a CH-53 helicopter is pictured at the booth of Sikorsky-Lockheed Martin company during preparation for the ILA Berlin Air Show in Schoenefeld, south of Berlin, Germany, on May 31, 2016. Fabrizio Bensch/Reuters

JERUSALEM—Israel has signed a deal with the United States to buy 12 Lockheed Martin Corp CH-53K helicopters and two Boeing Co KC-46 refueling planes, the Israeli Defense Ministry said on Friday, estimating the total price at around $3.1 billion.

The deal, signed on Thursday, is part of an upgrade of Israel’s air force capabilities and includes an option to buy six additional helicopters, a ministry statement said.