U.S. Air Force Receives First MH-139A From Boeing

First Production MH-139A Aircraft Lands in Air Force’s Hands

Boeing has delivered the first MH-139A Grey Wolf production aircraft to the U.S. Air Force. This aircraft is part of a Low-Rate Initial Production Order 2023 for 13 helicopters and will be stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana.

Azeem Khan, MH-139 executive director and program manager, stated, “This aircraft will directly support ongoing U.S. Air Force modernization efforts. Delivering this asset for the MH-139A fleet is critical to the future of national security as the Grey Wolf will play a crucial role in the U.S. nuclear triad for decades to come.”

In 2024, the U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing an additional seven MH-139As. With six Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation aircraft delivered, Boeing has 26 aircraft on contract. The MH-139A features a 50% increase in speed and range and a 5,000-pound increase in max gross weight compared to its predecessor, allowing it to execute multiple mission sets. Combined with lower operating costs, increased reliability, and improved maintainability, the aircraft provides improved capability and greater flexibility for the U.S. Air Force.

The MH-139A team consists of Boeing as the prime contractor and Leonardo as an original equipment manufacturer. Leonardo produces the baseline helicopter at its plant in northeast Philadelphia, while Boeing is responsible for military equipment procurement and installation and post-delivery support of the aircraft.