More than 3,200 striking Boeing defense workers are voting today, Thursday, November 13, 2025, on a revised contract offer that could end a 100-day strike that has halted production of key military aircraft in the United States. The vote, endorsed by leaders of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837, concerns facilities in St. Louis and St. Charles, Missouri, and Mascoutah, Illinois, which produce fighter jets and drones vital to U.S. national security and its allies.

The strike began on August 4, 2025, after workers rejected contract proposals over concerns regarding wages, benefits, and job security. The latest offer from Boeing’s Defense, Space & Security unit includes a significant upfront cash bonus of $6,000, a key change from a previous offer of a $3,000 bonus and $3,000 in restricted stock, which was rejected by members on October 26. According to a statement from Boeing, the new five-year contract proposal also includes a 24% wage increase over its term, which would raise the average worker's base pay from $75,000 to $109,000 annually before overtime. Union leaders are encouraging members to ratify the deal, which could see workers return to their posts as early as Sunday, November 16.

Production and Global Supply Chain at Stake

The affected facilities are central to global defense aviation, responsible for producing the F-15 and F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets, the T-7A trainer, and the MQ-25 Stingray aerial refueling drone. A prolonged halt in production raises significant concerns about disruptions to the global military supply chain. Such industrial actions can delay the delivery of aircraft and components to international customers, creating uncertainty for nations planning military upgrades. The strike has drawn attention from Washington, with members of the Senate Armed Services Committee urging Boeing in a November 4 letter to negotiate in good faith, citing the importance of the workforce to U.S. military readiness.

Implications for Kenya's Defence Modernization

For Kenya, the strike at a major U.S. defense contractor serves as a critical case study on the vulnerabilities of international military procurement. The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are in the midst of a multi-year modernization program, heavily reliant on foreign suppliers, particularly from the United States and Turkey. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Kenya's military spending rose to Sh166.08 billion in 2024, driven by the need to counter regional security threats like Al-Shabaab.

While Kenya is not a direct operator of the F-15 or F/A-18 jets, the KDF has procured other Boeing-related and U.S.-made hardware. This includes the acquisition of six MD-530F helicopters—manufactured by a company that is now part of Boeing's Vertical Lift division—and ScanEagle reconnaissance drones. Furthermore, Boeing has established a corporate presence in Nairobi, signaling its strategic interest in the region's growing aviation and defense markets.

The U.S. remains a key security partner for Kenya, providing support through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Any significant disruption at a primary U.S. defense manufacturer like Boeing can have ripple effects, potentially impacting delivery timelines, maintenance schedules, and the availability of spare parts across the board. Such delays pose a risk to the operational readiness and strategic planning of client nations, including those in East Africa. The strike underscores the fragility of global defense supply chains and highlights the importance for countries like Kenya to factor in such industrial risks when planning long-term security and procurement strategies.

The results of the vote are expected later today, with the outcome poised to have immediate consequences for the thousands of workers and for Boeing's ability to meet its extensive defense commitments.