MH-139 Grey Wolf achieves initial operating capability

Air Force Global Strike Command has declared the MH-139 Grey Wolf ready for initial operations as of August 10, beginning the long-planned replacement of the UH-1N Huey across the Air Force’s nuclear security enterprise.

The decision marks the first operational step in phasing out the Vietnam-era Huey after more than five decades of service guarding intercontinental ballistic missile fields. The Grey Wolf brings a substantial performance jump over the legacy platform, with higher speed, greater lift for personnel and gear, and improved defensive systems—capabilities intended to shrink response times and move security teams more quickly across remote terrain.

“For more than half a century, the UH-1N Huey has been a key element of our Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) security, and we owe a debt of gratitude to the crews who flew and maintained it over all these years,” said Gen. S.L. Davis, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command. “Securing these missiles demands our best efforts and the MH-139 will significantly improve our capabilities.”

The command said the aircraft’s speed and range are tailored to the 20th Air Force’s sprawling operating area—roughly 33,600 square miles of prairies, plains and mountain ranges—where missile field security and emergency response run around the clock. Officials also framed the Grey Wolf as a key enabler for the coming transition from the Minuteman III to the LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM, citing modern communications and command-and-control equipment to help secure sites through a phased, multi-year swap of systems.

Reaching initial operational capability followed a multi-year test and training campaign led by the 582nd Helicopter Group. In January 2025, the 550th Helicopter Squadron flew the type’s first Initial Operational Test and Evaluation mission. A year later, the 40th Helicopter Squadron completed the first operational Minuteman III convoy with the Grey Wolf, escorting maintenance and armored security vehicles for more than 100 miles over six hours without refueling.

“It has been a distinct privilege to watch the iconic Huey faithfully support our global operations throughout my entire career,” said Col. Bryant Bevan, 582nd HG commander. “However, this transition represents a critical leap forward. 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.”

Beyond nuclear security missions, the command plans to use the aircraft for search and rescue, disaster response and medical evacuation.

The MH-139A is produced by Boeing in partnership with Leonardo and is based on Leonardo’s AW139 commercial helicopter. The Air Force selected the type in 2018 to recapitalize the Huey fleet supporting Global Strike Command’s missile wings at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo.; Malmstrom AFB, Mont.; and Minot AFB, N.D. Initial operational capability signifies the aircraft can perform assigned missions, with additional aircraft, crews and support infrastructure to be fielded as the program moves toward full operational capability.