US Air Force slashes MH-139A Grey Wolf purchase

Facing budget constraints, the US Air Force has significantly reduced its planned purchase of the MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters from 80 to 42 units. This decision, aimed at cost-saving, has led to a critical Nunn-McCurdy breach due to increased per-unit costs, triggering a mandatory review that could impact the future of the program.

Boeing announced that it has delivered the first production MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter to the US Air Force, marking a significant step in the modernization of the Air Force's fleet, Caliber.Az reports citing the local media.

The Grey Wolf will be stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana, where it will enhance security patrols over the Minuteman III nuclear missile fields.

The MH-139A, a militarized variant of Leonardo’s AW139, is set to replace the aging UH-1N Hueys. Azeem Khan, Boeing’s executive director and program manager for the MH-139, emphasized the aircraft’s role in supporting US Air Force modernization and national security, stating it will be crucial to the US nuclear triad for years to come.

Following the delivery of six test helicopters last year and a $285 million low-rate production contract awarded in spring 2023, Boeing has begun transitioning from the research phase to full production. The Air Force initially planned to purchase 80 Grey Wolves but has since reduced its order, leading to potential cost overruns. The current contract includes 26 helicopters, with seven additional units ordered recently.

Facing tight budgets, the Air Force has reduced its planned acquisition of the MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter from 80 to 42 units. This decision will see some older UH-1N Hueys retained at several Air Force bases, including in Washington D.C., Washington state, New Mexico, and Florida.

However, this reduction in numbers has led to increased per-unit costs, triggering a critical Nunn-McCurdy breach. This breach prompts a mandatory review to determine if the program will continue. To avoid potential cancellation, the Pentagon must demonstrate to Congress that the Grey Wolf is essential to national security and that no cheaper alternatives exist.

The Air Force hopes that Congress will address the cost issue by reinstating more MH-139s into the budget. Production of the Grey Wolf involves initial assembly of the helicopter by Leonardo in Philadelphia, followed by modifications at Boeing’s facility to equip it for military use. Boeing completed the first production unit in December 2023, with ongoing flight testing conducted at Leonardo’s Philadelphia plant.