Show-Me State Times

President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth have announced that Boeing Corporation has been selected to develop the new F-47 fighter jet as part of the Next Generation Air Dominance Program. The contract, potentially valued at over $20 billion, is expected to bring significant investment and job opportunities to St. Louis, reinforcing its status as a national hub for aerospace and defense technology.

Dustin Allison, Interim CEO for Greater St. Louis, Inc., expressed enthusiasm about the announcement: “This is fantastic news for Boeing and its team here in St. Louis and validates what we already knew: that Boeing has the best, most talented team in the industry.” He credited Project Voyager, a $1.8 billion initiative near St. Louis Lambert International Airport, with laying the groundwork for this development.

Boeing's presence in St. Louis is substantial, with nearly 16,000 direct employees and an indirect impact on more than 34,000 jobs across the metropolitan area. The company also collaborates with over 350 local suppliers and contributes $13 million annually to local charities.

The announcement highlights St. Louis' longstanding involvement in aerospace and defense sectors. Existing assets include the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency's upcoming headquarters north of Downtown St. Louis and Scott Air Force Base's employment of nearly 13,000 people.

U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt has advocated for establishing St. Louis as a center for "defense tech," supported by funding initiatives for geospatial workforce development.

Allison emphasized the broader economic implications: “Not only will today’s announcement drive growth in jobs and investment here in St. Louis, but it also cements our region as a true national hub for aerospace and defense technology, as well as advanced manufacturing.”

Boeing continues to be involved in various projects within the region such as producing the MQ-25 Stingray unmanned air vehicle at Mid-America Airport in Mascoutah, Illinois, and supporting the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center under construction in North St. Louis City.