Boeing To Return Defense Headquarters To St. Louis Boeing announces relocation of its Defense, Space & Security division back to St. Louis to align leadership with key production sites. Dan Brannan, Content Director Feb 18, 2026 3:11 PM Feb 18, 2026 3:28 PM Save Listen to the story Your device does not support the audio. 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. Sign in to hide this notification. Get The Latest News! Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox. Boeing currently employs about 18,000 people in the St. Louis region.Article continues after sponsor message Easy Rest Bamboo Queen Mattress Only: $299.99+tax, Full Set: $449.99+tax Shop Local Chuck's Mattress Outlet Get This Deal → 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. Suggest a correction Prefer RiverBender on Google Copyright 2026 Riverbender.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Suggest a correction × Your name Your email What needs corrected? Send Cancel More like this: Durbin Challenges Hegseth On Iran War Costs As Pentagon Holds Billions In Unobligated Funds Yesterday July 23 in History: Egypt’s 1952 Revolution and Other Turning Points That Shaped the World Today Duckworth, Warren Press Hegseth Over Pentagon Rollback of Civilian Protection Programs Jul 7, 2026 St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer Condemns ‘Slow Flip’ Model in Lawsuit Statement Jul 16, 2026 Mayor Spencer Signs Board Bill 22, Launching Historic Investment of Rams Settlement Funds Jul 16, 2026
