Under the contract, Leonardo will produce the helicopters at its Philadelphia plant, while Boeing is responsible for military equipment procurement, installation, and post-delivery support of the aircraft.

The multi-mission aircraft is based on the Leonardo AW139 commercial helicopter and is expected to provide security for intercontinental ballistic missile bases and transport officials and security forces.

Boeing MH-139 program director Azeem Khan said using the proven AW-139 platform and integrating additional military capabilities into the MH-139A, provides the US Air Force with the most capable product for the mission.

“Advancing the program from testing and evaluation to production is a major step toward entering the MH-139 into service and providing the US Air Force with additional missile security for decades,” he said.

“We are working diligently to begin deliveries next year.”

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Leonardo Helicopters US chief executive officer Clyde Woltman said the MH-139A’s has a 50 per cent increase in speed and range, and an increase of more than 2,200 kilograms max gross weight to accomplish missions more quickly, quietly, and efficiently.

“My teammates at Leonardo, together with Boeing, are eager to continue our partnership and ensure the success of the MH-139A program,” he said.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.