Boeing has been awarded a new contract worth more than US$173 million by the U.S. Air Force to produce eight additional MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters. The agreement also covers training and sustainment support. It follows a previous US$178 million contract for seven aircraft, bringing the total number now under contract to 34. This latest order includes the first aircraft expected to be deployed to Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota.
The Air Force recently completed its initial operational test and evaluation flights as the MH-139A programme advances towards achieving initial operational capability. The successful testing marks another milestone in preparing the helicopter for operational deployment.
So far, Boeing has delivered 18 aircraft to the Air Force, including 12 produced under low-rate initial production. Deliveries for the first operational unit at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana were completed earlier this year. Boeing expects to deliver four more aircraft before the end of the year, continuing to build momentum for the programme.
The MH-139A Grey Wolf is based on the proven Leonardo Helicopters AW139 platform. Boeing has adapted the aircraft with specialised military equipment to meet the Air Force’s operational needs. The helicopter is designed for a range of missions, including patrol, search and rescue, and the transport of troops and cargo. Its combination of versatility, reliability, and endurance makes it a key asset for national defence operations.
Robert Beyer, MH-139 Senior Programme Manager at Leonardo Helicopters, said: “The MH-139A Grey Wolf represents the best of partnership and proven capability. By building on the trusted AW139 platform, we’ve delivered a versatile aircraft that is already showing its value to the U.S. Air Force. With each new order, we continue to strengthen national security while supporting American manufacturing and jobs.”
