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