US Air Force deploys MH-139 Grey Wolf on first nuclear missile convoy operation
January 16, 2026
The US Air Force has taken a decisive step towards modernising the security of its nuclear missile fields, with the first operational deployment of the MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter in support of an intercontinental ballistic missile convoy.
The milestone mission brings Air Force Global Strike Command closer to initial operational capability with the long-delayed aircraft, which is set to replace the service’s ageing UH-1N Huey fleet across the ICBM enterprise.
Grey Wolf helicopters fly first ICBM convoy at Malmstrom AFB
On Tuesday, the United States Air Force reported the first successful use of the new MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters by the Air Force Global Strike Command.
Two MH-139A helicopters, assigned to the 40th Helicopter Squadron, have conducted their first operational Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) convoy. The first mission occurred on the 8th of January.
The Air Force stated, “The MH-139s shepherded a column of missile maintenance and armored security vehicles to and from a launch facility… without needing to refuel during the six-hour movement.”
The USAF maintains more than 100 launch facilities dispersed across Malmstrom’s 13,800-square-mile area of responsibility. The Grey Wolf was selected as the helicopter able to provide the speed and reach to connect them.
.@malmstromafb aircrews underwent training to familiarize themselves with the MH-139A Greywolf, the replacement for our fleet of UH-1N Huey helicopters.@AFGlobalStrike pic.twitter.com/toORtm9G7a
— U.S. Air Force (@usairforce) June 9, 2024
Maj. Gen. Stacy Huser, 20th Air Force commander, stated, “Executing our first convoy mission with two MH-139s marks a significant step forward in strengthening our missile security operations.”
Huser added, the aircraft allows the Air Force to continue supporting the ICBM enterprise for decades to come with “increased speed, range and lift.”
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Grey Wolf poised to replace aging Hueys
Following the cancellation of the Common Vertical Lift Support Program (CVLSP), the USAF awarded Boeing a $2.4 billion contract to replace its aging ‘Huey’ UH-1N helicopter fleet with the MH-139 Grey Wolf. The MH-139 is a Boeing variant of the Italian Leonardo AW139.
Their role with the Air Force Global Strike Command is to enhance security patrols of nuclear missile fields and transport officials and personnel.
The Air Force is now preparing to retire its UH-1N Huey after over five decades of service. The Huey became an icon of the Vietnam War.
The Grey Wolf is around 50% faster than that Huey and can carry double the number of troops. It also comes with a range of other improvements, like new forward-looking infrared and avionics systems.
And, take off! 🚁
— U.S. Air Force (@usairforce) February 25, 2020
Airmen perform pre-flight checks for lift-off of the first test flight of the Air Force’s newest helicopter, the MH-139A Grey Wolf @TeamEglin, Florida. The Grey Wolf is set to replace the Air Force’s aging UH-1N “Huey” fleet.#AimHigh #modernization pic.twitter.com/4KeKRiLh14
Boeing highlights the versatility of the helicopter, saying it is able to conduct “patrol, firefighting, search and rescue, VIP, troop and cargo transport” missions.
Production and deliveries of the MH-139
The first Boeing MH-139A was handed over to the Air Force in December 2019 at Duke Field, Florida. In March 2024, Malmstrom AFB hosted a welcome ceremony with the 550th Helicopter Squadron, beginning conversion training the following month.
In January 2024, the Air Force conducted the first Initial Operational Test and Evaluation flight in support of nuclear security operations.
The Air Force plans to buy at least 56 MH-139s, although not all have been contracted. Boeing’s annual reports show it didn’t deliver any in 2020 or 2021 and then delivered two in 2022, rising to four in 2023, and then six in 2024.
In January 2026, Boeing announced it had delivered a total of nine MH-139s in 2025. This suggests Boeing has delivered 21 Grey Wolf helicopters to the Air Force in recent years.
U.S. Air Force UH-1N Huey number 6648 assigned to the 36th Rescue Squadron hits the 20,000-hr flight mark at Fairchild AFB on Jan. 13, 2023. First flight of this type was in October 1956. (A1C Stassney Davis) pic.twitter.com/BE67cPOie8
— J.J. (@kadonkey) August 22, 2023
Besides the MH-139s, Boeing also handed over 19 new AH-64 Apaches, 42 remanufactured Apaches, three new CH-47 Chinooks, and 11 renewed Chinooks. This was a total of 84 new and renewed military helicopters delivered by Boeing in 2025.
Featured Image: United States Air Force
