Leading global aerospace company Boeing has been awarded a $178 million contract to manufacture seven additional MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters for the U.S. Air Force, bringing the total contracted aircraft count to 26, the company announced in a press release on Monday.
Azeem Khan, MH-139 program director, stated, “Building the Grey Wolf fleet and paving the way towards full rate production is a critical step in supporting the Air Force’s modernization priorities.”
Khan was further quoted in the press release, emphasizing the importance of delivering on commitments and providing enhanced capability to support the mission of protecting vital national assets.
The recent contract follows swiftly after the inaugural flight of the first production aircraft in Dec. 2023.
Currently, the initial production aircraft is undergoing further testing, while others are at various stages of manufacturing. Boeing remains on schedule to deliver the first LRIP aircraft to the Air Force by this summer.
The MH-139, a multi-mission helicopter, is designed for a range of operations, including patrol, search and rescue, as well as troop and cargo transportation. Derived from the reliable Leonardo Helicopters AW139 and equipped with specialized military gear by Boeing, it integrates cutting-edge technology to enable operators to execute missions swiftly, silently, effectively, and securely.
According to the company website, the “Grey Wolfs” are specifically tailored to protect intercontinental ballistic missiles and transport U.S. government officials and security forces.