September 6, 2007: Germany is refurbishing and upgrading half its 80 CH-53G transport helicopter force. This will cost about $17 million per aircraft, and will largely consist of new electronics. This will keep the CH-53Gs going for another 12-15 years, until a new heavy lift helicopter, made in Europe, enters service. The electronics upgrades include communications gear that makes the CH-53Gs compatible with Germanys most recent helicopters and aircraft. Germany built, under license, 110 CH-53Gs in the early 1970s. Like most aircraft, regular maintenance and upgrades can keep them going for a half century, or more.