PHILADELPHIA, — Boeing has received its first full-rate production contract for four MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters for the U.S. Air Force, marking progress in the replacement of the service’s aging UH-1N Huey fleet.
The contract was awarded on September 25 and is valued at approximately $85 million, including some sustainment work, according to Defense News. Boeing announced the award in late September and early October 2026. The order follows the Air Force’s declaration of initial operating capability (IOC) for the program on August 10, announced by Air Force Global Strike Command on August 31.
The latest order brings the total number of MH-139A helicopters under contract to 42. Boeing has delivered 27 aircraft, including 20 built during the low-rate initial production phase. The four newly ordered helicopters are expected to be delivered in 2028 or 2029.
Kathleen Jolivette, vice president and general manager of Vertical Lift Programs at Boeing Defense, Space & Security, said the milestone validates the Grey Wolf’s readiness and supports the Air Force’s plans to secure strategic missile fields and modernize its helicopter fleet.
Replacing the UH-1N Huey
The MH-139A is based on Leonardo Helicopters’ commercial AW139 platform. Leonardo manufactures the base helicopter at its Philadelphia facility, while Boeing, the prime contractor, integrates military equipment at its nearby Ridley Park site. The U.S. Air Force selected the Boeing-Leonardo team in 2018.
The Grey Wolf will support security operations at the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile fields associated with Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana, Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, and F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming.
Compared with the UH-1N, the MH-139A is nearly 50 percent faster, can carry twice as many troops, and features enhanced defensive systems and command-and-control capabilities. Its missions include patrol, security, missile convoy escort, search and rescue, troop and cargo transport, firefighting, and other utility operations.
In January 2026, the 40th Helicopter Squadron at Malmstrom completed its first operational Minuteman III convoy escort using the MH-139A. The mission covered more than 100 miles over approximately six hours without refueling. Initial operational test and evaluation flights had begun in 2025.
Production and Fleet Expansion
The Air Force’s original plans called for approximately 80 to 84 helicopters, but budget decisions reduced the planned fleet. The program temporarily had a target of 42 aircraft, while current budget documents set an objective of 56.
Earlier contracts included seven helicopters in 2024, eight in October 2025, and four in January 2026, bringing the contracted total to 38 before the latest award.
The Air Force plans to have 34 MH-139A helicopters in operation by fiscal year 2027 and requested funding for four additional aircraft for that fiscal year. Congressional versions of the defense policy bill have considered higher quantities, but final legislation remains pending.
The program experienced delays related to certification and other issues in earlier years. The achievement of initial operating capability and the first full-rate production award mark progress toward wider deployment of the Grey Wolf to support nuclear security operations and replace the UH-1N fleet.
——— End of Article ———
