Boeing “bets big” on future combat aircraft contracts
An artist’s impression of Boeing’s advanced combat aircraft facility. (Image: Boeing)
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
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough
Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2026 revealed the growing scale of the UK’s uncrewed ambitions, with companies showcasing new CCA, autonomous wingmen and surveillance drones, while sovereign production emerged as a key factor for multiple programmes.
-
Maximise survivability with advanced electronic warfare (video)
BAE Systems’ all-digital EW delivers 360-degree threat awareness in contested environments, boosts survivability, and cuts lifecycle costs.
-
US Air Force seeks avionics upgrades for ageing T-38 Talon as T-7A Red Hawk delays persist
The USAF is looking for commercial avionics solutions to improve the T-38 Talon’s reliability, readiness and flight safety as continued T-7A Red Hawk delays increase the likelihood that the legacy trainer will remain in service longer than planned.
-
British Army’s Project Corvus selection highlights new era of drone sovereignty
The UK’s choice of the Tekever AR5 for Project Corvus reflects a wider shift in military drone procurement towards solutions that centre on sovereignty and domestic production, moving away from overseas reliance.