Boeing has launched a major new development effort to expand its manufacturing footprint in St. Louis, partnering with engineering giant Jacobs to support the delivery of a new 1.1-million-square-foot complex aimed at advancing future-generation defense aircraft production.

The announcement, made via a June 5 press release, outlines a long-term, multi-phase buildout of Boeing’s campus, expected to unfold between 2026 and 2030. Jacobs, headquartered in Dallas, has already begun construction work and is responsible for providing a comprehensive scope of services including design, engineering, demolition, and environmental compliance.

Although Jacobs did not disclose specific contract terms, the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership estimated Boeing’s total investment in the project at $1.8 billion, making it one of the largest recent defense-related capital expenditures in the region.

Key Facilities and Federal Approvals

The new development will include advanced assembly facilities and a post-assembly operations center, designed to meet the classified demands of Boeing’s defense programs. To prepare for the new construction, existing structures on the site are being demolished. Jacobs secured federal environmental approvals for the initiative in just eight months — a timeline that reflects ongoing federal efforts to accelerate permitting processes for critical infrastructure and national defense projects.

“Scope of work also includes demolition of existing structures to prepare the site for new classified facilities,” said Susannah Kerr, Jacobs’ executive vice president and general manager of federal and environment business, in the announcement.

The speed of permitting is particularly notable at a time when defense contractors and government agencies have called for reforms to the often slow and cumbersome environmental review process. This project may serve as a model for future streamlined development timelines in the defense sector.

Growth in St. Louis

Once completed, the new campus will significantly expand Boeing’s presence in St. Louis and support a new era of digital manufacturing and aircraft innovation.

Mark Webb, Boeing’s vice president of site readiness in St. Louis, emphasized the strategic importance of the region for the company’s defense operations.

“The largest investments Boeing is making in defense is in St. Louis,” said Webb, who noted the facility will feature advancements in digital design and manufacturing. “Our St. Louis site will continue to grow in facilities and head count for the next several years.”

Boeing's expanded campus is expected to play a crucial role in meeting the Department of Defense's demand for next-generation aircraft, including unmanned aerial systems and digitally engineered platforms. The investment also reflects Boeing’s long-term commitment to Missouri and signals job growth in high-tech manufacturing and defense-related sectors.

This latest move follows other recent Boeing facility upgrades and expansions across the U.S. aimed at increasing efficiency, modernizing operations, and integrating cutting-edge production technologies across its supply chain.

As the buildout progresses, Boeing and Jacobs are expected to work closely with federal and state agencies, local contractors, and workforce development organizations to support construction and staffing needs across the multi-year project timeline.

Originally reported by Sebastian Obando in Construction Dive.