Military revises helicopter strategy, aims to transform certain HH-60W aircraft
The United States Air Force has announced plans to modify HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopters for VIP transport duties around Washington, D.C., as part of the fiscal year 2026 budget request. This move marks a significant shift in the rotary-wing fleet tasked with distinguished visitor airlift, replacing the aging UH-1N Huey helicopters and abandoning the previously planned Boeing MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopters for this mission.
The funding for the MH-139A production remains specific, but the timeline for acquiring additional aircraft is yet to be clarified. On the other hand, $15.1 million in supplemental funds, along with additional "discretionary" funds, will be used to modify 26 HH-60Ws for the Air Force District of Washington (AFDW) mission requirements.
However, the exact number of helicopters to be modified and the precise funding amounts have not been publicly disclosed in available sources. The budget request clearly mentions plans for modification and implies a significant investment in this role shift. The broader FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act authorizes increased defense spending, including for Air Force rotary-wing capabilities, though specific figures for the HH-60W VIP modification are not detailed.
The modified "Whiskeys" will replace aging UH-1 Hueys currently operating at Joint Base Andrews, Md. The Air Force spokesperson acknowledged that the funds are "an enabler for the overall MH-139A-HH-60W plan."
The Air Force's 2026 budget request also confirms funding is available to procure 100 HH-60W aircraft, including 11 test airframes. The HH-60W Jolly Green IIs, with their longer length, wider rotor, and ability to be refueled in transit, are well-suited for this new role. However, their interior layout and equipment are optimized for search and rescue, and the modifications needed to convert them into senior leader and executive airlift are currently unclear.
The Air Force had initially planned to buy MH-139s for VIP transportation, but it is now more cost-effective to modify HH-60Ws. The MH-139 buy reduction left the executive airlift mission uncovered, and now, additional aircraft are to be acquired. The Air Force's 2026 budget documents note plans to use $150 million in reconciliation funds for the MH-139A fleet's broader, long-term costs.
The recently passed reconciliation bill contains funding to replace the aging UH-1Ns currently operating at Joint Base Andrews, Md. The Air Force's 2026 budget plan initially called for the purchase of 85 HH-60Ws, but this number has been increased due to additional funding from Congress in 2024 and 2025. The Air Force plans to procure two MH-139s in fiscal 2026, but budget documents note plans to use $150 million in reconciliation funds regardless.
The force structure and strategic basing decisions for the modified HH-60Ws have yet to be determined. The Air & Space Forces Association, the audio sponsor for this article, honours and supports Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org.
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- The Air Force's decision to modify HH-60W helicopters for VIP transport duties suggests a shift in the Air Force's investment towards advanced technology for aircraft, aligning with the broader FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act's focus on increased defense spending.
- The Air Force is seeking additional funds for the modification of HH-60W helicopters, aiming to replace aging UH-1 Hueys, which highlights the importance of security and the potential use of these modified Whiskeys in protecting high-ranking officials.
- The Air Force's budget request for FY2026 includes funding for the production of 100 HH-60W aircraft, suggesting a potential expansion of the Air Force's fleet, and possibly, the space force's aircraft inventory, in the future.
