Boeing announced that production has begun on the first MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters for the U.S. Air Force. 

MH-139 Program Director Azeem Khan said in a press release that the MH-139 team is working hard to begin deliveries of the multi-mission helicopter next year following the awarding of the $285 million contract for aircraft production as well as sustainment and support services, Boeing said.

Boeing will deliver the first 13 MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters to the Air Force, outfitting the Leonardo-produced aircraft with additional military capabilities that the aerospace company said would result in a faster, quieter and more efficient aircraft with a longer range compared to its predecessors. 

Leonardo manufactures the aircraft at its northeastern Philadelphia facility, while Boeing is in charge of procuring and installing military equipment and post-delivery support.

Clyde Woltman, CEO of Leonardo Helicopters U.S., expressed his enthusiasm for the program, stating that his team is eager to continue the partnership with Boeing to ensure the success of the MH-139A program. 

“Advancing the program from testing and evaluation to production is a major step toward entering the MH-139 into service and providing the U.S. Air Force with additional missile security for decades,” Khan, the program director, said.