An MH-139A Grey Wolf is displayed in a hangar March 9, 2024, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. The Grey Wolf, which will replace Malmstrom AFB’s fleet of Vietnam-era UH-1N Hueys, provides the ability to cruise 50% faster and farther than the Huey, while also having a 30% larger cabin and capability to lift 5,000 pounds more. (Elora J. McCutcheon/U.S. Air Force)

The MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter, a replacement for the aging Vietnam-era Bell UH-1N Hueys, landed this month at Malmstrom Air Force Base.

The Grey Wolf is a multi-mission aircraft designed to protect intercontinental ballistic missiles and transport U.S. government officials and security forces.

“The mission here is simply too important to be operating with yesterday’s technology,” Montana Sen. Jon Tester said at a ceremony March 9. “And that is why, for years, we have worked to bring the MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopters to this base. This aircraft is state-of-the-art and will ensure Malmstrom’s mission will be able to carry on for decades to come.”

The Grey Wolf also will be sent to Minot AFB in North Dakota, Warren AFB in Wyoming and Joint Base Andrews, Md.

Though the plan was for the Air Force to have 80 of the Grey Wolf helicopters, according to Air & Space Forces Magazine, the 2025 Air Force budget has cut the total.

“The MH-139A program will replace the Air Force fleet of UH-1N aircraft, which have significant capability gaps in the areas of speed, range, endurance, payload capacity and aircraft self-protection,” according to the budget report. “Currently, funding is available to procure 42 MH-139A helicopters, training devices and associated support equipment.“

The helicopter, according to Boeing, has a 50% increase in cruising speed and range, 30% larger cabin and an additional 5,000 pounds of lift capability than its predecessor. It also has state-of-the-art avionics with full autopilot mode, advanced flight deck functionality and lower operating and support costs. It also has better flexibility and improved safety.

Airmen assigned to the 40th Helicopter Squadron stand for a group photo in front of a UH-1N Huey helicopter following an arrival ceremony for the MH-139A Grey Wolf March 9, 2024, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. The Huey, a Vietnam-era aircraft, has served Malmstrom AFB for five decades and will be phased out by the Grey Wolf within the next 10 years. (Elora McCutcheon/U.S. Air Force)