The Air Force has decided to reduce the total number of MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters it plans to purchase, resulting in a cost overrun known as a critical Nunn-McCurdy breach. Originally intending to buy 80 of the Boeing-made helicopters, the service now plans to close out the program with 42 helicopters due to budget constraints.
The Air Force will continue to use some older UH-1N helicopters at various locations while phasing in the MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters. A critical Nunn-McCurdy breach occurs when a major defense acquisition program’s costs increase by at least 25% over the current cost targets or at least 50% over the original expected cost.
House Appropriations subcommittee on defense chairman Rep. Ken Calvert expressed concern over the breach, questioning the success of the Air Force’s modernization efforts. A Nunn-McCurdy breach could lead to program cancellation unless certain criteria are met, including certification by the Pentagon that it is essential to national security.
The Air Force is currently managing the program with six MH-139s in its fleet and plans to have 19 by the end of 2025. Boeing has received a contract to produce seven more helicopters for delivery in 2026. The proposed budget for 2025 includes $333.5 million for MH-139 procurement.
