This article is based on an official press release from Air Force Global Strike Command.

MH-139A Grey Wolf Completes Historic First Operational ICBM Convoy Mission

The U.S. Air Force has achieved a significant milestone in its nuclear modernization efforts. According to an official press release from Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), two MH-139A Grey Wolf Helicopters successfully completed their first operational Minuteman III ICBM convoy security mission on January 8, 2026.

The mission, executed by the 40th Helicopter Squadron (40 HS) at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, marks the beginning of a critical transition period. The service is moving away from the Vietnam-era UH-1N Huey fleet toward the modern Grey Wolf platform to secure the nation’s land-based nuclear deterrent.

Operational Success Without Refueling

The January 8 mission profile required the aircraft to escort a column of missile maintenance and armored security vehicles to a launch facility located more than 100 miles east of Malmstrom AFB. According to mission data released by the Air Force, the two MH-139As completed the six-hour movement without needing to refuel, a capability the legacy UH-1N Huey lacked for distances of this magnitude.

Maj. Nicholas Smith, an MH-139 pilot with the 40th Helicopter Squadron, noted the immediate operational benefits of the new airframe.

“The performance of the helicopter was impressive… The MH-139 integrated seamlessly and provided an immediate increase in helicopter support capabilities.”

Maj. Nicholas Smith, 40th Helicopter Squadron

The pilots reported that improved Avionics and Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) systems significantly enhanced situational awareness, allowing for better coordination with the ground force commander throughout the movement.

A Generational Leap in Capability

The transition to the MH-139A represents a major upgrade in performance metrics for the 20th Air Force. Data provided by AFGSC indicates that the Grey Wolf offers approximately 50 percent greater speed and range compared to the UH-1N Huey. Additionally, the new aircraft doubles the troop capacity, allowing for the deployment of a larger Tactical Response Force in a single lift.

Maj. Gen. Stacy Huser, Commander of the 20th Air Force, emphasized the long-term impact of this modernization effort in a statement regarding the mission.

“Executing our first convoy mission with two MH-139s marks a significant step forward in strengthening our missile security operations. The MH-139 allows us to continue supporting our ICBM enterprise for decades to come with increased speed, range and lift.”

Maj. Gen. Stacy Huser, Commander, 20th Air Force

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The Tactical Advantage of Endurance

While the speed and lift capacity of the MH-139A are often highlighted, the endurance demonstrated in this mission is perhaps the most tactically significant improvement for convoy security. In previous operations using the UH-1N Huey, covering a 13,800-square-mile missile complex often required refueling stops. Every refueling stop creates a potential gap in aerial coverage or necessitates complex logistical coordination to ensure continuous overhead security.

By completing a six-hour mission unrefueled, the Grey Wolf demonstrates it can maintain a persistent “loiter” presence over high-value assets. This reduces the logistical footprint of security operations and ensures that the convoy remains under constant aerial surveillance, minimizing vulnerability windows during transit.

Strategic Context and Future Integration

This mission serves as a validation of the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) being developed as the Air Force prepares for Full Operational Capability (FOC). The 341st Missile Wing, which maintains the Minuteman III ICBMs, relies on these aerial assets for emergency response and routine security.

Col. Daniel Voorhies, Commander of the 341st Missile Wing, highlighted the necessity of this upgrade for nuclear surety.

“Our ICBM mission is the foundation of strategic deterrence, and it demands absolute reliability, security, and readiness. The MH-139 strengthens nuclear surety by giving our Airmen a more capable platform to protect our forces as they carry out the nation’s most imperative mission, 24/7/365.”

Col. Daniel Voorhies, Commander, 341st Missile Wing

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The 582nd Helicopter Group continues to oversee the standardization of the Grey Wolf program across the three missile wings located at Malmstrom, Minot, and F.E. Warren Air-Forces Bases. As the Air Force prepares to transition from the Minuteman III to the future LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM, the MH-139A will serve as the primary aerial security platform.

Sources

• Air Force Global Strike Command

This article is based on an official press release from Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC).

SNC Accelerates Army Intelligence Program with Self-Funded Purchase of Fourth HADES Jet

On January 13, 2026, Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) announced a significant expansion of its commitment to the U.S. Army’s High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES). The company confirmed it has procured a fourth Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft to support the program. Purchased at the company’s own expense at the close of 2025, this acquisition marks a strategic shift from prototyping to production-representative assets.

The investment underscores a growing trend in the defense industrial base, where contractors are increasingly using internal capital to “lean forward” and mitigate supply chain risks before government funding is officially disbursed. According to the company’s announcement, this specific aircraft is intended to serve as the first non-prototype jet for the Army’s program of record, aiming to accelerate the delivery timeline for next-generation aerial intelligence.

Strategic Investment in Future-Proof Technology

SNC’s decision to purchase the airframe ahead of schedule is designed to answer the Pentagon’s call for speed and innovation in fielding new technology. By securing the aircraft early, SNC aims to bypass potential production line gaps and ensure the Army receives operational capabilities sooner.

According to SNC, the company has invested nearly $500 million of its own capital to date into the HADES program. This includes the procurement of initial prototype jets and the development of digital engineering environments. The fourth jet differs from its predecessors; while the first three were designated for testing and validation, this new asset is targeted for the operational fleet.

Josh Walsh, Vice President of Programs at SNC, highlighted the operational benefits of this financial risk:

“By investing early and executing ahead of schedule, our teams are reducing risk, accelerating capability delivery and ensuring the Army receives a proven, operationally relevant A-ISR solution when it matters most.”

The HADES Capability Shift

The HADES program represents a critical modernization effort for the U.S. Army, replacing legacy turboprop fleets such as the RC-12 Guardrail and MC-12 EMARSS. These older platforms, while effective for counter-insurgency operations, lack the speed and altitude required for modern Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) against near-peer adversaries.

Platform Specifications

The transition to the Bombardier Global 6500 business jet offers a substantial leap in performance. According to program specifications detailed in industry reports, the new platform offers:

• Higher Ceiling: A maximum operating altitude of 51,000 feet, allowing sensors to “see” deeper into enemy territory while remaining outside the range of many air defense systems.
• Greater Speed: Top speeds of approximately Mach 0.90, significantly faster than the turboprops it replaces.
• Extended Range: An intercontinental range of approximately 6,600 nautical miles, enabling rapid global deployment.

SNC serves as the Lead Systems Integrator (LSI) for the program, having been awarded a contract with a $1 billion ceiling in August 2024. The company utilizes its RAPCON-X (Rapidly Configurable to any mission, X) architecture, a modular open systems approach that allows the Army to swap sensors and software rapidly as threats evolve.

AirPro News Analysis

Mitigating Risk Through “Skin in the Game”

SNC’s purchase of a fourth jet on its own balance sheet is a calculated maneuver in the current defense acquisition environment. With the Army’s budget under constant scrutiny and debates regarding the final fleet size of the HADES program, recent discussions suggest a potential reduction to approximately six airframes, SNC is effectively locking in production slots.

By physically securing the airframe, SNC makes it more difficult for the program to be delayed by supply chain shortages, a common plague in post-2020 aerospace manufacturing. Furthermore, this move reinforces the validity of the LSI selection, which was contested by competitors L3Harris and Leidos in late 2024. By demonstrating a willingness to absorb nearly half a billion dollars in upfront costs, SNC is signaling to the Pentagon that it is not merely a contractor waiting for funds, but a partner sharing the financial risk of modernization.

Executive Perspective

Tim Owings, Executive Vice President at SNC, emphasized that the hardware purchase reflects a broader alignment with military objectives.

“These investments are more than just technologies, they reflect SNC’s alignment with the Army’s vision and unwavering commitment to modernization.”

The Army expects the first prototype delivery in 2026, with this newly purchased fourth aircraft likely to follow as the program transitions into its operational phase.

Sources:
Sierra Nevada Corporation Press Release
Breaking Defense (Context on HADES Contract)
Defense News (Program Background)

Saab Pitches Major Defense Package to Ottawa: 78 Aircraft and 12,600 Jobs

Swedish defense manufacturer Saab has presented the Canadian government with a sweeping proposal to supply the Royal Canadian Air Force with a mixed fleet of fighter jets and surveillance Military-Aircraft. According to reporting by CBC News, the company has pledged to create 12,600 jobs in Canada, contingent on the federal government purchasing 72 Gripen E fighter jets and six GlobalEye surveillance aircraft.

The proposal comes at a critical juncture for Canadian defense procurement. While Ottawa finalized an agreement in 2022 to acquire the Lockheed Martin F-35, the government has currently committed to an initial tranche of only 16 stealth fighters. Saab’s bid aims to secure the contract for the remaining 72 aircraft required to replace the aging CF-18 fleet, alongside a separate requirement for airborne early warning systems.

Breaking Down the Industrial Offer

The core of Saab’s pitch is a “Made in Canada” industrial strategy designed to bolster domestic aerospace sovereignty. CBC News reports that the Manufacturers promise of 12,600 jobs is split between the two major hardware components of the deal.

The Gripen E Program

Saab estimates that the production and sustainment of 72 Gripen E fighter jets would generate approximately 9,000 jobs. The Gripen E is a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter known for its ability to operate in harsh environments and from dispersed locations, such as highways, features Saab argues are well-suited to Canada’s Arctic geography.

The GlobalEye Surveillance System

The second pillar of the proposal involves the GlobalEye, an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system. This portion of the bid carries significant domestic political weight because the GlobalEye system is mounted on the Global 6000/6500 business jet airframe, manufactured by Bombardier in Toronto.

According to the proposal details, the GlobalEye program would account for roughly 3,600 of the promised jobs. This Partnerships with Bombardier positions the bid as a direct boost to the aerospace sectors in Ontario and Quebec.

Strategic Context: The Mixed Fleet Debate

Saab’s proposal challenges the conventional military preference for a uniform fleet. Canada has already begun the process of integrating the F-35 Lightning II, a 5th-generation stealth fighter designed for seamless interoperability with United States and NATO forces. Critics of the Saab proposal argue that operating a “mixed fleet”, consisting of 16 F-35s and 72 Gripens, would create logistical hurdles, requiring duplicate training pipelines, supply chains, and maintenance crews.

However, proponents of the Saab bid suggest that the Gripen’s lower operating costs and full technology transfer could offset these inefficiencies. Unlike the F-35, which relies on a global support network controlled largely by the US, Saab is offering Canada full intellectual property rights for maintenance, allowing for complete sovereign control over the fleet.

AirPro News Analysis

The timing of Saab’s offer appears calculated to leverage current geopolitical and economic anxieties. With trade tensions rising between Ottawa and Washington, there is a growing political appetite for defense solutions that reduce reliance on US supply chains. By tying the bid to Bombardier and promising thousands of high-tech jobs in key electoral provinces, Saab is framing the decision as one of economic stability and national sovereignty rather than purely military capability.

Furthermore, the inclusion of the GlobalEye targets a specific gap in Canada’s defenses. While the Air Force has selected the Boeing P-8 Poseidon for maritime patrol, the requirement for a dedicated AEW&C platform to support NORAD remains unfilled. The GlobalEye competes directly against the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail, which is already in use by key allies. Saab’s gamble is that the economic benefits of a Canadian-built airframe will outweigh the interoperability arguments favoring the Boeing alternative.

Potential Export Implications

Beyond domestic defense, the proposal outlines a vision for Canada to become a production hub for Saab’s export markets. Reports indicate that Ukraine has expressed interest in acquiring the Gripen platform. Under Saab’s proposed model, Canadian facilities could potentially manufacture or assemble aircraft destined for third-party nations, effectively turning Canada into a significant exporter for the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current status of Canada’s F-35 order?
Canada selected the F-35 in 2022 and has committed to buying an initial batch of 16 aircraft. The full planned fleet size is 88 jets, leaving the remaining 72 subject to final government approval and Contracts issuance.

What is the GlobalEye?
The GlobalEye is an advanced airborne early warning system capable of simultaneous air, maritime, and ground surveillance. It uses the Erieye ER radar and is based on the Canadian-made Bombardier Global 6000/6500 airframe.

Why is a mixed fleet considered controversial?
Operating two different types of fighter jets (the F-35 and the Gripen) increases costs and complexity. It requires two separate sets of pilots, mechanics, spare parts, and training simulators, which military planners typically try to avoid.

Sources

• CBC News