On 24 September 2018, the
U.S. Air Force awarded
Boeing a $2.4 billion contract to replace the aging
UH-1N helicopter fleet, with the goal of enhancing security patrols of nuclear missile fields and transporting senior officials. This was the first major acquisition for the
Air Force Global Strike Command in its 10-year history, following the cancellation of the previous Common Vertical Lift Support Program (CVLSP). As part of this initiative, Boeing was awarded a $285-million contract to build the first 13 MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters, to guard America's nuclear ballistic missiles. .|alt= The MH-139A Grey Wolf is to be used for security patrols,
search and rescue missions, and personnel and
cargo transport. The Air Force's first intention was to purchase 84 helicopters for security and transportation across extensive
intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) fields, and senior leader and executive airlift in the
Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), also known as the
National Capital Region. It is also to be used in aircrew survival training. The precise quantity of the MH-139 fleet remains unknown. Initially, the requirement was for up to 84 helicopters, which was then reduced to 80, then 74. The most recent Fiscal Year 2025 budget suggests a further reduction, to a fleet of 36 MH-139s. The Grey Wolf program has faced numerous setbacks and delays, including difficulty with attaining
Federal Aviation Administration type certification. Typically, FAA certification is not required for
US military aircraft, but it is for the MH-139 because the helicopters are to be required to operate extensively within
US domestic airspace. == Design ==