The MH-139A Grey Wolf program progressed through several structured phases. Four aircraft were built in 2019 as part of the Engineering & Manufacturing Development (EMD) stage to support design certification and testing, followed by two System Demonstration Test Aircraft (SDTA) completed in 2020 for operational evaluation. The Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) phase began with Lot 1, comprising 13 production-standard helicopters built between 2023 and 2025, including the first deliveries to the 908th Wing at Maxwell Air Force Base. Lot 2, initiated in 2025, adds seven additional aircraft, bringing the total to 20 LRIP units. Together with future Lot 3 production, these aircraft form part of the U.S. Air Force’s 34-helicopter order as the program advances toward full-rate production.
Oct 8, 2025 · Boeing has now contracts for 34 MH-139A aircraft which are based on the Leonardo AW139. Minot Air Force Base slated to receive first aircraft as part of Lot 3 Award
Apr 29, 2024 · With a new contract for 7 helicopters, Leonardo and Boeing now have orders for 26 MH-139A Grey Wolves. Initial plans called for 84 helicopters to replace the Bell UH-1N, but the latest budgets confirmed 42 through FY 2029
Jun 11, 2023 · The first MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter production aircraft for the U.S. Air Force reaches final assembly at the Leonardo’ northeast Philadelphia facility in Pennsylvania. Scheduled for delivery in 2024
Mar 9, 2023 · US Air Force awarded $285M contract to Boeing for production of first 13 MH-139A Grey Wolf. The helicopters are manufactured by Leonardo in northeast Philadelphia while Boeing installs military equipment and provide post-delivery support