Aerospace

Indonesia Announces Commitment to Acquire Boeing F-15EX

During the visit of Indonesia’s Minister of Defence Prabowo Subianto to the United States, the Republic of Indonesia and Boeing shared their resolve to complete the sale of 24 F-15EX aircraft to Indonesia, subject to U.S. government permission.

Following a tour of the F-15EX assembly line, Air Vice Marshal Yusuf Jauhari, Head of Defence Facilities Agency, Indonesia Ministry of Defence, and Mark Sears, Vice President and Programme Manager for Boeing Fighters, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today at the company’s St. Louis facility.

Boeing Integrates Eagle Passive Active Warning and Survivability System onto U.S. Air Force F-15s(Opens in a new browser tab)

With digital fly-by-wire flight controls, new electronic warfare system, an all-glass digital cockpit, and the newest mission systems and software capabilities, the F-15EX is the most modern version of the F-15 ever manufactured. These features will all be used to deliver the new F-15IDN.

The F-15EX’s capabilities are the result of years of experience that we put into them. There is not a fighter in the world quite like the F-15, and Indonesia’s air dominance capabilities will soar through this platform, according to Sears. “Boeing is ready to support this effort and remains a committed partner to the US government in advancing international security objectives with allies and partners around the world.”

Boeing Unveils F-15 Qatar Advanced Jets(Opens in a new browser tab)

For nearly 75 years, Boeing and Indonesia have collaborated to assist the growth of the nation’s aerospace and defence capabilities through training, supply chain development, and partnerships. Today, Boeing’s participation in Indonesia includes efforts to develop skills throughout the local industry, supply chain, commercial aviation, defence, and space. Seven nations throughout the world are currently using the F-15.

Aerospace

Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences Expands Columbus Plant by 50,000 Sqft

Credit:Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, has launched a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Mississippi.

This ambitious project will add 50,000 square feet of new space, renovate 40,000 square feet of the existing facility, and introduce advanced automation equipment, robotics, and non-destructive inspection technologies. mcas boeing enhancements will support the growing demand for Aurora’s aerospace systems business.

Since its establishment, Aurora Mississippi has specialized in the production of advanced composite components and assemblies for both military and commercial aircraft. The company first opened in 2005 at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory in Starkville before relocating to its current site in Columbus two years later.

Initially occupying 21,000 square feet, the facility has since grown to encompass over 120,000 square feet, featuring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies such as automated fiber placement. Aurora’s latest expansion is a strategic investment aimed at increasing production capacity for composite components like boeing titanium used in executive jets and the MQ-25TM Stingray composite skins, a key project for its parent company, Boeing.

Additionally, the facility will produce components for NASA’s X-66 sustainable flight demonstrator aircraft, further diversifying its portfolio. Currently employing around 100 full-time staff in Mississippi, Aurora plans to hire more than 60 additional team members by the end of 2025.

Aurora’s expansion project underscores its commitment to Mississippi’s growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector. The company maintains strong partnerships with Mississippi State University (MSU) and East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), contributing to research, higher education, and workforce development in advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, Aurora actively supports local K-12 STEM education through summer camps and collaborates with high school vocational education programs. The expansion and renovation project will be carried out in phases over the next two years, with completion expected by 2026. This development marks a significant milestone in Aurora’s ongoing growth and its role in advancing aerospace manufacturing in Mississippi.