CORRECTION: We incorrectly attributed a quote by Tom Boelling to a different member of the IAM union. We regret the error.

ST. LOUIS – Boeing is making major changes to its St. Louis operations by shifting its upgrade work on the F/A-18 Super Hornet out of the region over the next two years.

The aerospace giant’s announcement comes as negotiations have stalled between Boeing and striking union workers. More than 3,000 local Boeing employees are nearing two full months on strike.

The Service Life Modification (SLM) work upgrades the Super Hornet Block II variant to the Block III, with features like extended range and additional stealth capability. The U.S. Navy entered a contract with Boeing to upgrade its Block II fighters to Block III into the 2030s.

In a statement, Boeing did not declare where the work would be relocated, but said the company is considering San Antonio and Jacksonville. The SLM program will leave St. Louis by 2027.

“Our expansion plans across the St. Louis site triggered the execution of a multi-year strategic plan, requiring the relocation of some work,” Dan Gillian, vice president and general manager of Air Dominance and senior St. Louis site executive, said. “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.”

The Super Hornet is the backbone of the Navy’s strike fighter inventory, and SLM is critical to supporting the U.S. Navy’s readiness needs, Boeing said in a statement.

“We have worked with the Navy for years to improve SLM while growing in San Antonio and FRC Southwest. Delivering multiple fighters and capabilities from multiple locations is what we do, and we will continue that work on the Super Hornets for the life of the fleet,” Mark Sears, Boeing Fighters vice president, said.

The St. Louis area currently produces F-15EX, T-7A, and MQ-25 fighters, as well as JDAM and other munitions production lines. Earlier this year, the U.S. Air Force contracted Boeing to design and build the F-47 sixth-generation fighter jet.

Local striking machinists with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM District 837) were disappointed.

“Boeing’s decision to move upgrade work on the F/A-18 Super Hornet out of north St. Louis County is deeply disappointing. The announcement comes as IAM Union District 837 members are in the eighth week of their strike at Boeing,” Tom Boelling, IAM District 837’s directing business rep, said.

“Our members performing this critical upgrade work have consistently earned the highest praise from the customer. Unfortunately, Boeing chose to make this announcement while our skilled members remain on the picket line fighting for dignity, respect, and a fair contract.

“We stand ready to meet with Boeing anyplace, anytime. As we continue to say, the ball is in Boeing’s court.”