US$173 million contract expands fleet dedicated to protecting bases with nuclear silos in the USA
A United States Air Force (USAF) ordered more eight MH-139A Gray Wolf helicopters has Boeingin a contract valued at more than US$173 million. The announcement was made by the manufacturer in October 8highlighting that the expansion of the production line allowed the cost per unit to be reduced.
The value is slightly lower than the previous contract, signed in April 2024, when seven helicopters were acquired by US$178 million.
With the new order, the total number of aircraft ordered by the USAF reaches 34 units, mainly intended for protection of strategic installations with Minuteman III ballistic missiles and the transport of high-ranking authorities.
To date, Boeing has delivered 18 helicoptersincluding 12 from the initial small-scale 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
O MH-139A Grey Wolf is a modified version of Leonardo AW139adapted to the standards of the North American Air Force and designed for missions of strategic security and patrolling of nuclear areas.
Developed to replace veterans Bell UH-1Nthe Gray Wolf offers greater speed, range and payload capacity, as well as modern communication and self-protection systems. UH-1Ns have been used for decades in surveillance and defense of bases housing US intercontinental missiles.
Source and images: Boeing / US Air Force. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
