MH-139 helo tasked with nuclear missile escort role is operational, Air Force says

WASHINGTON — The MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopter achieved initial operational capability (IOC) in early August, stepping into the role held by the aging UH-1N Huey to patrol the Air Force’s sprawling nuclear missile facilities. 

In a press release on Monday, the Air Force said the Boeing-made helicopter achieved the IOC milestone on Aug. 10, meaning some units have received the new system and are able to both employ and maintain it properly.

The Grey Wolf’s development has been somewhat of a bumpy road. Setbacks, like the struggle to obtain Federal Aviation Administration approval, drove yearslong delays. The helicopter was previously projected to achieve IOC as early as 2023, according to a 2021 Government Accountability Office report [PDF]. 

The transition to the MH-139 “represents a critical leap forward,” Air Force Col. Bryant Bevan, commander of the 582nd Helicopter Group that helped field the new helo, said in the release. The 582nd HG played a key role in the aircraft’s initial trials, such as the first operational escort of a Minuteman III ICBM convoy in January. 

“The advanced capabilities of the MH-139A Grey Wolf will directly empower our airborne forces with the enhanced speed, range and survivability required to decisively defend and secure the Minuteman III weapons system,” Bevan said. 

The Air Force’s press release touted the superior capabilities of the Grey Wolf compared to its predecessor, including greater speed, improved defensive capabilities and an ability to carry twice the number of troops. The aircraft is a militarized version of the Leonardo AW139. 

An official at manufacturer Boeing previously told Breaking Defense the aircraft has sparked international interest. However, no new customers have publicly announced deals for the MH-139. The company did not respond to a request for comment by press time on the IOC milestone. 

The UH-1N will be phased out as Grey Wolves are delivered, though a seesawing program of record has limited some of the new aircraft’s missions. While the Air Force’s press release says the MH-139 will be equipped for tasks like “search and rescue, disaster response and medical evaluations,” the helicopter is no longer expected to transport VIP passengers around the National Capital Region.

Instead, the Air Force now plans to use the HH-60W Jolly Green II — the service’s newest combat rescue helicopter built by Lockheed Martin subsidiary Sikorsky — for the VIP transport role. In a press release published Aug. 28, the Air Force revealed that Joint Base Andrews in Maryland activated the 5th Helicopter Squadron, which will operate the Jolly Green II for the VIP mission. Like the MH-139, the HH-60W at Andrews will replace the Vietnam-era UH-1N.

“In the next few years, the 5th HS will train aircrew and maintainers, establish operational and maintenance processes, and receive new aircraft as it prepares to execute the national security mission within the National Capital Region,” according to the Air Force’s Aug. 28 release. The 1st HS will continue operating the UH-1N as the 5th HS is fully stood up. 

“Our 24/7 mission continues while we prepare the next generation of Airmen and aircraft to continue the legacy of excellence,” Lt. Col. Zachary Minner, commander of the 1st HS, said in the release. “The incredible professionals of the 1st Helicopter Squadron are ready to respond whenever the National Capital Region needs us.”