The US Air Force has awarded 
According to the Defense Post, Boeing has delivered 18 to date. The newly purchased helicopters will be assigned to Minot Air Force Base (AFB) in North Dakota.
The USAF’s Wolf Pack
Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) flights are progressing for the MH-139A program as the fleet gets close to Initial Operational Capability (IOC). Boeing completed deliveries for the first operational unit at Malmstrom AFB, Montana, earlier in 2025.
The mission roles of the MH-139A are patrol, search and rescue, troop, and cargo transport. It is a generational leap in performance and capability over its predecessor, the UH-1N Huey. The Grey Wolf has undergone years of testing and trials to ensure it will assume the role of the venerable Huey successfully.
The Grey Wolf also serves to protect intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) bases operated by the USAF and perform VIP transport. The new helicopter is set to be a “jack of all trades,” utility helicopter that flies any mission, just like the iconic Huey, but with modern technology and performance.
Azeem Khan, MH-139 program director, gave these remarks in a Boeing press release following the latest contract deal:
“The MH-139A offers increased speed, range and payload capacity critical to supporting U.S. national security missions. We look forward to delivering these advanced aircraft to bases across the country.”
MH-139A: Made In The USA
The Grey Wolf is based on the Leonardo Helicopters’ AW139 civilian airframe. Boeing inducts the base model helicopters and installs military systems that transform the aircraft into an exceptionally capable multi-mission helicopter with high performance and versatility. The program has Boeing acting as prime contractor, while Leonardo’s Philadelphia factory will make up to 84 airframes to be converted.
The Grey Wolf has a cruise speed 50% faster than the Huey with a range 50% farther as well, plus a 30% larger cabin and the capacity to lift 5,000 pounds more, according to Airman Magazine. The USAF estimates that thanks to the wide commercial availability of parts, services, and other maintenance needs of the AW139 that it can achieve $1 billion in savings across the life of the helicopter. The fact that AW139s are already used as training platforms also saves time and money in the new training pipeline.
Over 900 AW139s are in service around the world with more than 270 government agencies, militaries and private companies across the world. When Leonardo’s helicopter was selected in 2018, 260 helicopters had already been assembled and delivered from the Philadelphia plant. The first USAF MH-139A began testing in 2019 at Eglin AFB, Florida, and took its first flight with a full active-duty aircrew in 2022.
A Critical Mission For The Grey Wolf
The MH-139As will primarily be operated by Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) in service of the land-based arm of the US Armed Force’s “Nuclear Triad.” The Grey Wolf will be crucial to provide security and support for the USAF’s ICBM silos, which are dispersed across Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, Colorado and Nebraska. Its outgoing predecessor, the UH-1N, has served this same mission since 1970.
The Minuteman III is the current standard of the USAF’s ICBM arsenal, which will also be upgraded in the coming years, when the Sentinel ICBM is brought online. AFGSC is also responsible for the nuclear-capable bomber fleet, which includes Boeing B-52 Flying Fortress, Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit, and the forthcoming B-21 Raider strategic bombers.
The AFGSC is therefore responsible for two-thirds of the US nuclear forces, with the Navy operating the final third with its ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). The Grey Wolf is a vital component of one of the most important deterrence forces in the entire US military.