Boeing has secured an additional contract from the U.S. Air Force to deliver eight MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters, pushing the service’s total order to 34 aircraft designated for nuclear security and executive airlift missions.
The manufacturer announced the deal Tuesday, valued at more than $173 million. The contract follows an April 2024 order for seven helicopters worth $178 million, with the lower per-unit cost reflecting production efficiencies as the program matures.
The twin-engine helicopters will join a growing fleet tasked with protecting America’s land-based nuclear arsenal and transporting senior government officials. The Grey Wolf represents a generational leap over the aging Bell UH-1N Huey helicopters currently guarding intercontinental ballistic missile sites across the continental United States.
“The MH-139A offers increased speed, range and payload capacity critical to supporting US national security missions,” says Azeem Khan, MH-139 programme director. “We look forward to delivering these advanced aircraft to bases across the country.”
Boeing has delivered 18 Grey Wolves to date, including a dozen low-rate initial production units. The company completed its scheduled deliveries to Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana, which became the first operational Grey Wolf squadron when it began flying the type in 2024.
Four additional rotorcraft are slated for delivery before year’s end. The MH-139A is derived from Leonardo Helicopters’ commercial AW139 platform, adapted for military operations.
The Air Force is acquiring the Grey Wolf fleet to replace its Vietnam-era UH-1N helicopters, which have provided security at bases housing Minuteman III nuclear missiles for decades. The new aircraft bring enhanced capabilities for the demanding mission of safeguarding the nation’s strategic deterrent.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. Air Force ordered eight additional MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters from Boeing in a $173 million contract, bringing total commitments to 34 aircraft for nuclear security and VIP transport missions.
- The reduced per-aircraft cost compared to an April 2024 order signals maturing production capabilities for the program, which replaces aging Bell UH-1N helicopters at intercontinental ballistic missile sites.
- Boeing has delivered 18 Grey Wolves to date and completed initial deliveries to Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana, the first operational squadron, with four more aircraft expected by year’s end.
