ST. LOUIS — Boeing said Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, it is relocating its Defense, Space & Security business back to the St. Louis area, a move the aerospace and defense contractor framed as a way to place leadership closer to a major production hub.
The business, known as BDS, was previously headquartered in Berkeley, a St. Louis suburb, from 1997 to January 2017, when it relocated to Arlington, Virginia. Boeing’s statement did not say when the move would be completed and did not provide a timetable for relocation.
Boeing currently employs about 18,000 people in the St. Louis region.
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Boeing said the decision reflects a broader approach to where its leaders are based.
“The headquarters move, coupled with our senior leaders being based at and spending their time at major engineering, production, and manufacturing centers across the U.S., reflects our continued focus on disciplined performance across our business,” Boeing said.
Missouri District 8 Rep. Jason Smith said he planned to be at Boeing’s St. Louis facility on Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 18, 2026, with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
“We are excited to join Secretary of War Pete Hegseth this afternoon at Boeing's St. Louis facility to celebrate this major win for Missouri workers, the regional economy, and our nation's defense,” Smith said. “This move sends a strong message: the future of America's defense capabilities is being built right here in the heartland.”
Hegseth was expected to speak at 3:30 p.m. Central time during the stop, according to the information provided.
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