Senator Schmitt Joins Secretary of War Hegseth at Boeing St. Louis for ‘Arsenal of Freedom Tour’

Schmitt Touts Boeing's Announcement to Move Defense HQ Back to St. Louis

ST. LOUIS, MO - Today, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) joined Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in a visit to Boeing St. Louis as part of the "Arsenal of Freedom" tour, a nationwide call to revitalize American manufacturing and re-energize our industrial workforce. During the visit, they toured Boeing facilities and touted Boeing's announcement to move its Defense Headquarters back to St. Louis.

Download pictures HERE. Watch Senator Schmitt's remarks HERE.

"Today's visit with the Secretary reaffirms what I've long known to be true - St. Louis is the beating heart of America's defense industrial base. Our mechanics, engineers, and technicians have built some of the greatest machines ever employed by our military and the next-generation fighter aircraft - the F-47 - will be made in Boeing St. Louis. As global threats evolve and we pursue President Trump's peace through strength agenda, it will be American manufacturing, forged in Missouri, that will keep our military strength unmatched and our nation secure. I appreciate Secretary Hegseth for taking the time to visit Boeing St. Louis and his tireless dedication to our warfighters, industrial workforce, and our national security," said Senator Schmitt.

Background

In the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Senator Schmitt secured the following wins to strengthen St. Louis' defense industrial base:

• $500 million to build F-47s.
• $459 million to manufacture MQ-25 Stingrays.
• $78 million to advance Boeing's F-15EX program.

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