Boeing's MH-139A Grey Wolf Clears Operational Capability for US Nuclear Missile Guard
The US Air Force's Global Strike Command (AFGSC) has declared initial operational capability for the Boeing MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter, clearing it to guard US nuclear missile fields. The declaration formalizes the handover from the UH-1N Huey, which the US Air Force has flown in missile fields since 1970.
The Grey Wolf is a militarized derivative of the Leonardo AW139, and Boeing installed military equipment on the airframe built by Leonardo at its Philadelphia plant. AFGSC said the helicopter is nearly 50% faster than its predecessor, carries twice as many troops, and has improved defensive systems.
General Stephen L. Davis, commander of AFGSC, stated, 'Securing these missiles demands our best efforts and the MH-139 will significantly improve our capabilities.'
The Grey Wolf's core task is escorting Minuteman III maintenance and armored security convoys across a 33,600 square mile area of prairie, plains, and mountain terrain. Boeing has delivered 21 MH-139A helicopters under contract, with the first production aircraft handed over in August 2024.