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Boeing considers San Antonio and Jacksonville for relocation of F/A-18 service life work

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Boeing considers San Antonio and Jacksonville for relocation of F/A-18 service life work
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CEO Kelly Ortberg | Boeing

Boeing has announced plans to move its F/A-18 Super Hornet Service Life Modification (SLM) work from St. Louis, Missouri, beginning in 2026 and ending by 2027. The company is considering San Antonio, Texas, and Jacksonville, Florida, as potential new locations for this program.

The decision to relocate comes as Boeing aims to free up space at its St. Louis facility for future projects and site expansion. Currently, SLM activities are already underway at the Navy's Fleet Readiness Center Southwest in San Diego and with some units operating in Jacksonville. After the move, the St. Louis plant will focus on producing the F-15EX Eagle II fighter jet, the MQ-25 unmanned aerial refueling aircraft, and developing the United States Air Force's next-generation F-47 program.

Dan Gillian of Boeing commented on the transition: “Given we are already successfully conducting SLM at other locations, this move is logical so we can continue to meet our customers commitments while ensuring we are well poised for future work.”

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Boeing’s shift of the F/A-18 SLM operations is expected to help optimize use of factory space and skilled workers for expanding programs such as the F-15EX Eagle II and upcoming defense contracts like the F-47 fighter jet. The company has indicated that relocating these operations will reduce scheduling conflicts at St. Louis and increase capacity for new projects.

The company plans to redeploy existing SLM staff rather than lay them off as part of this transition. In the short term, Boeing anticipates higher relocation costs and a learning curve associated with moving operations but expects improved asset utilization over time.

Boeing’s defense segment has been a significant contributor to its recent revenue growth. Increased global spending on air defense systems has driven strong performance across both established contractors and newer companies in the aerospace sector.

The realignment is seen as part of Boeing’s broader strategy to strengthen its position in military aviation manufacturing while continuing support for Department of Defense obligations related to legacy platforms like the F/A-18.

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