US Air Force Secures $173 Million for Eight New Grey Wolf Helicopters

The **US Air Force** has finalized a contract worth **$173 million** with **Boeing** for the acquisition of an additional eight **MH-139A Grey Wolf** helicopters, announced on **October 8, 2025**. This brings the total number of Grey Wolves under contract to 34, marking a significant investment in modernizing the Air Force’s rotary-wing capabilities. To date, Boeing has successfully delivered 18 helicopters.

The newly purchased helicopters will be stationed at **Minot Air Force Base** in **North Dakota**. These aircraft are expected to enhance the operational readiness of the USAF’s **Wolf Pack Operational Test and Evaluation** (OT&E) program as it approaches Initial Operational Capability (IOC). Earlier in 2025, Boeing completed deliveries for the first operational unit stationed at **Malmstrom Air Force Base** in Montana.

Enhanced Capabilities of the Grey Wolf

The MH-139A Grey Wolf represents a significant advancement over its predecessor, the **UH-1N Huey**. Designed for a variety of missions including patrol, search and rescue, troop transport, and cargo transport, the Grey Wolf is noted for its enhanced speed, range, and payload capacity. Azeem Khan, the MH-139 program director, emphasized the helicopter’s critical role in supporting U.S. national security missions, stating, “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.”

With a cruise speed that is **50% faster** than the Huey and a range that extends **50% farther**, the Grey Wolf is equipped with a **30% larger cabin** and can lift **5,000 pounds** more, according to **Airman Magazine**. The USAF anticipates that the widespread availability of parts and services for the **AW139**, on which the Grey Wolf is based, could lead to savings of up to **$1 billion** over the helicopter’s lifespan.

Supporting National Defense Missions

Primarily operated by the **Air Force Global Strike Command** (AFGSC), the Grey Wolf will play a crucial role in securing and supporting the USAF’s intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) silos located across **Wyoming**, **Montana**, **North Dakota**, **Colorado**, and **Nebraska**. The MH-139A is set to replace the aging UH-1N, which has been in service since **1970**.

The Grey Wolf’s introduction comes as the USAF prepares to upgrade its ICBM arsenal, transitioning to the new **Sentinel ICBM** in the coming years. The AFGSC is responsible for a significant portion of U.S. nuclear forces, overseeing not only land-based missile systems but also the nuclear-capable bomber fleet, including the **Boeing B-52 Flying Fortress** and the forthcoming **B-21 Raider**.

The introduction of the Grey Wolf reaffirms the USAF’s commitment to modernizing its fleet and maintaining strategic deterrence capabilities. As the military continues to evolve, the Grey Wolf stands out as a multi-mission utility helicopter designed to meet the demands of contemporary defense operations.