Who Owns Boeing Defense, Space & Security?

Boeing operates through three principal business divisions that collectively serve commercial airlines, military customers, and government agencies worldwide, making it one of the most comprehensive aerospace companies globally. The company's integrated business model encompasses aircraft design, manufacturing, sales, and aftermarket services, providing end-to-end solutions across the entire aerospace value chain. This comprehensive approach allows Boeing to maintain long-term relationships with customers while generating recurring revenue streams through services and support.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes represents the company's largest division by revenue, designing and manufacturing commercial jetliners that serve airlines across all market segments from low-cost carriers to major international airlines. The division's product portfolio includes the Boeing 737 family, which has been the best-selling commercial jetliner in history, the Boeing 767 wide-body twin-engine aircraft, the Boeing 777 twin-aisle aircraft family, and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which pioneered the use of composite materials in commercial aircraft construction. In 2025, Commercial Airplanes generated $41.5 billion in revenue and delivered 600 aircraft, including 447 Boeing 737s, 88 Boeing 777s, and 65 Boeing 787s, demonstrating recovery from previous production challenges and increasing production rates.

The 737 program, which includes the 737 MAX variants, has been central to Boeing's commercial strategy, with production rates increasing to 42 aircraft per month in the fourth quarter of 2025. The company received FAA approval to begin the final phase of 737-10 certification flight testing during the quarter, marking progress toward restoring the full 737 MAX family to service. Boeing plans to reach 47 aircraft per month by mid-2026, reflecting confidence in its production capabilities and supply chain improvements. The 777 program has begun transitioning production to eight per month, while the 787 program continues to ramp up production as it addresses supply chain challenges and quality control issues.

Boeing Defense, Space & Security serves military, government, and space customers with a diverse portfolio of products and services including military aircraft, rotorcraft, missiles, satellites, and space systems. In 2025, this division generated $27.2 billion in revenue and delivered 131 defense products including new AH-64 Apache helicopters, CH-47 Chinook helicopters, F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets, KC-46 tankers, and P-8 maritime patrol aircraft. The division's backlog of $84.8 billion provides long-term revenue visibility and reflects ongoing demand for military aircraft and defense systems worldwide.

The Defense, Space & Security segment includes Boeing's space operations, which manufacture and maintain satellites, space systems, and components for both commercial and government customers. The division also encompasses Boeing's missile systems, including precision-guided munitions and missile defense systems, as well as its rotorcraft programs that produce helicopters for military and civilian applications. This division's diverse portfolio provides stability through government contracts and long-term defense programs while serving critical national security needs.

Boeing Global Services provides comprehensive aftermarket support, maintenance, modifications, upgrades, and logistics services to customers across all divisions. In 2025, Global Services generated $20.9 billion in revenue, demonstrating the importance of the aftermarket business to Boeing's overall financial performance. The division's services include aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), engineering modifications, spare parts distribution, pilot and maintenance training, and technical support services. Global Services creates recurring revenue streams and long-term customer relationships, complementing the company's aircraft manufacturing business with essential support services throughout the aircraft lifecycle.

Boeing employs approximately 170,000 people globally, including engineers, technicians, manufacturing specialists, sales and marketing professionals, and support staff. The company maintains extensive research and development operations focused on advancing aerospace technologies, improving fuel efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing operational efficiency. Boeing's R&D investments span aircraft design, materials science, digital manufacturing, autonomous systems, and sustainable aviation technologies, positioning the company for future innovation in the aerospace industry.

The company's business model emphasizes innovation, customer focus, and operational excellence across all divisions and subsidiaries. Boeing invests heavily in digital transformation, implementing advanced manufacturing technologies, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to improve production efficiency, quality control, and customer service. The company's commitment to sustainability includes developing more fuel-efficient aircraft, reducing environmental impact in manufacturing processes, and exploring sustainable aviation fuels and electric propulsion technologies for future aircraft programs.

Boeing's integrated business model creates synergies between its divisions, allowing the company to leverage commercial aircraft sales to drive aftermarket services revenue, while using its defense and space capabilities to support commercial aviation infrastructure development. The company's global presence and comprehensive service network enable it to support customers worldwide, ensuring reliable operation of aircraft and defense systems throughout their operational lifecycles.

In 2025, Boeing's total backlog reached $682.2 billion, including $567.3 billion in commercial aircraft orders and $84.8 billion in defense programs, providing strong visibility into future revenue streams and production requirements. This substantial backlog, combined with improving production rates and operational efficiency, positions Boeing for continued growth and financial stability in the competitive global aerospace market.