The US Air Force has signed a $178 million contract with Boeing to produce seven MH-139A helicopters, including also sustainability and training support services. This order brings the total number of aircraft under contract to 26. "Building the Grey Wolf fleet and paving the way to full production is a critical step in supporting the Air Force's modernisation priorities," said Azeem Khan, MH-139 programme director. "Meeting these commitments and putting more capability in the hands of our customers is important to their mission of protecting vital national assets." The order comes just after the first flight of the first helicopter in December 2023. With the first production aircraft currently undergoing further testing and other aircraft in various stages of completion, Boeing is on track to deliver the first Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) aircraft to the Air Force this summer. The MH-139 is a multi-mission helicopter designed for patrol, rescue, search and utility duties. Based on Leonardo's proven AW-139 helicopter and fitted with military equipment customised by Boeing, the MH-139 incorporates advanced state-of-the-art technologies that enable operators to complete missions quickly, quietly, efficiently and safely.