Air Force Awards Boeing $85 Million for Grey Wolf Helicopters

The United States Air Force awarded Boeing a contract worth approximately $85 million on September 25 for the first four MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters under full-rate production. This order brings the total number of Grey Wolves under contract to 42, with 27 aircraft already delivered. Boeing expects to deliver the four new aircraft in 2028 or 2029.

The production milestone follows the August 10 declaration of initial operational capability by Air Force Global Strike Command. The MH-139A is designed to replace the aging UH-1N Huey for intercontinental ballistic missile security. The Grey Wolf offers significantly higher speeds and nearly double the troop capacity of the Huey it replaces.

The aircraft will be deployed to Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana, F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, and Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota. While the program experienced years of delays due to certification and testing issues, officials state the transition is vital for securing strategic national assets.