Boeing “bets big” on future combat aircraft contracts
An artist’s impression of Boeing’s advanced combat aircraft facility. (Image: Boeing)
The new facility will double Boeing’s footprint at its St Louis site beside Lambert air field but what will roll out the doors is not yet known.
Boeing has outlined its latest expansion plans amid a flurry of new and expanded factories and facilities coming online, all of which will provide space to support crewed, uncrewed and undefined aircraft manufacture.
Steve Nordlund, air dominance vice-president, general manager and St Louis region senior site executive at Boeing, described the newest build programme, a 1.1 million square foot factory in St Louis costed at US$1.8 billion, as a “pretty big bet” for the company.
Described as an advanced combat aircraft factory or secure assembly and production facility, work on the site began in late 2023, with completion expected in 2026 on what Nordlund
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Airbus Helicopters sees defence portfolio’s “strong momentum” continue into 2026]()
Airbus Helicopters sees defence portfolio’s “strong momentum” continue into 2026
The aerospace company’s 2025 performance figures revealed significant orders from various European armed forces and a boost in demand for its uncrewed offerings.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Early adopters and big spenders point to UAV market opportunities]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Early adopters and big spenders point to UAV market opportunities
While an estimated $37.99bn is still to be awarded across the Asia-Pacific uncrewed aerial vehicle market, the balance of potential future spending is unevenly split between various countries, with significant opportunities to be found in the collaborative combat aircraft space.
-
![British Army ACP project progresses with contract selection expected March 2026]()
British Army ACP project progresses with contract selection expected March 2026
Known as Project Nyx, the loyal wingman developed from this initiative will accompany the Apache 64-E and be used to complement tanks and artillery.
-
![Bayraktar TB2: The $4.11 billion market success of a cost-effective MALE UAV]()
Bayraktar TB2: The $4.11 billion market success of a cost-effective MALE UAV
The success of the Bayraktar TB2 stems from it fulfilling a niche of providing reasonable capabilities at a low cost, leading to its acquisition by more than 30 countries including many in Africa; but there are reasons to be cautious about its potential future prospects.
