Aviation News – Boeing Secures New Deal for Eight MH-139A Grey Wolf Helicopters
The U.S. Air Force has awarded Boeing a $173 million contract to produce eight additional MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters, further strengthening the nation’s strategic air mobility and security operations. The deal also includes training and sustainment support as part of the service’s continued modernization effort.
The latest order, announced this week, brings the total number of MH-139A aircraft under contract to 34. Following a $178 million award in April for seven helicopters, this contract marks a significant milestone in the program’s development. The first aircraft from this batch will be deployed to Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota—an important site for U.S. strategic deterrence operations. Boeing has already delivered 18 aircraft, including 12 from low-rate initial production, and completed deliveries for the first operational unit at Malmstrom AFB, Montana.
The MH-139A Grey Wolf, derived from the Leonardo AW139 platform, is designed to replace the aging UH-1N Huey fleet. Offering higher speed, greater range, and improved payload capacity, the helicopter enhances mission flexibility and response capability for the Air Force’s nuclear security and rapid mobility roles.
“The MH-139A offers increased speed, range and payload capacity critical to supporting U.S. national security missions,” said Azeem Khan, Boeing’s MH-139 Program Director. “We look forward to delivering these advanced aircraft to bases across the country.”
As the Air Force completes its Initial Operational Test & Evaluation phase, the program continues to advance toward Initial Operational Capability. The new aircraft will strengthen operational readiness at key installations and enhance support for strategic defense missions nationwide.
The MH-139A program underscores the Air Force’s commitment to modernizing its helicopter fleet with versatile, efficient, and mission-ready platforms. With deliveries continuing through this year, the Grey Wolf is poised to play a pivotal role in safeguarding critical national assets and advancing U.S. air mobility capabilities.
