Super Hornet Upgrade Program Moves to New Sites
- Boeing announced on September 24, 2023, that it will relocate its F/A-18 super Hornet Service Life Modification (SLM) operations from the St.Louis region by 2027.
- Despite the relocation, Boeing remains committed to supporting the Super Hornet fleet.
- While the Super Hornet SLM work is moving, Boeing is concurrently increasing its overall presence in St.
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Boeing to Relocate Super Hornet Upgrade Work, focusing on Next-Generation Aircraft
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Published September 26, 2023, 11:49 AM PDT
Boeing Shifts Focus from Super Hornet to Future Combat Programs
Boeing announced on September 24, 2023, that it will relocate its F/A-18 super Hornet Service Life Modification (SLM) operations from the St.Louis region by 2027. This strategic realignment aims to free up capacity for the company’s expanding portfolio of future aircraft programs, including the U.S. Air Force’s forthcoming sixth-generation fighter, the F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program.
Despite the relocation, Boeing remains committed to supporting the Super Hornet fleet. “Locations is what we do, and we will continue that work on the Super Hornets for the life of the fleet,” stated Mark Sears, Boeing Fighters vice president, according to Breaking Defense. The Super Hornet has been a cornerstone of U.S. naval airpower for over two decades, and the SLM program is crucial for extending its operational lifespan into the 2030s.
Expanding St.Louis Operations
While the Super Hornet SLM work is moving, Boeing is concurrently increasing its overall presence in St. Louis. The company is expanding its defense manufacturing operations to include the F-15EX Eagle II fighter, the T-7A Red Hawk trainer, the MQ-25 Stingray carrier-based tanker, and various precision munitions production lines. This expansion demonstrates Boeing’s continued investment in the region and its commitment to supporting the U.S. military.
The decision to distribute workload across multiple facilities is intended to maintain production efficiency, enhance support capabilities, and align with the Pentagon’s long-term modernization plans. This approach allows Boeing to better manage resources and respond to evolving defense priorities.
Impact on Workforce
Personnel currently assigned to the super Hornet SLM program in St. Louis are expected to transition to these new efforts as work on the F-47 and other programs ramps up. Boeing anticipates a smooth transition for its employees, leveraging their expertise in aircraft modification and support.