$173 million contract expands fleet dedicated to protecting bases with nuclear silos in the US
+ Land Rover Defender modified to cross the Bering Strait will be sold at auction
The United States Air Force (USAF) has ordered eight additional MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters from Boeing under a contract valued at more than $173 million. The announcement was made by the manufacturer on October 8, highlighting that the expansion of the production line has allowed a reduction in unit cost.
The value is slightly lower than the previous contract, signed in April 2024, when seven helicopters were purchased for $178 million.
With the new order, the total number of aircraft ordered by the USAF reaches 34 units, primarily intended for the protection of strategic facilities housing Minuteman III ballistic missiles and the transport of high-ranking officials.
So far, Boeing has delivered 18 helicopters, including 12 from the initial low-rate production batch. The company expects to deliver four more units by the end of 2025.
Helicopter based on the Italian AW139
Photo by Boeing photographer Fred Troilo
The MH-139A Grey Wolf is a modified version of the Leonardo AW139, adapted to US Air Force standards and designed for strategic security and nuclear area patrol missions.
Developed to replace the aging Bell UH-1N, the Grey Wolf offers greater speed, range, and payload capacity, as well as modern communication and self-protection systems. The UH-1Ns were used for decades to monitor and defend the bases that house the United States’ intercontinental missiles.
Source and images: Boeing / U.S. Air Force. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
