Boeing will be restructuring its defence, space and security (BDS) unit into smaller entities and also cut 50 executive positions this year as part of efforts to become more globally competitive.

In a statement released on June 13, the airline said that the simplified, flatter structure would accelerate decision making. The executives to be cut represent a layer of executive oversight.

"We need to be an agile organisation that is more responsive to customers' needs and committed to continually improving productivity," said Defence, Space and Security president and CEO Leanne Caret.

"We are fundamentally addressing how we compete, win, and grow in Boeing's second century," she said.

As of July 1, the current Boeing Military Aircraft and Network & Space Systems segments will evolve into smaller entities reporting to Caret.

- Autonomous Systems, led by Chris Raymond, will include Insitu and Liquid Robotics subsidiaries; Echo Voyager maritime vehicle; vertical lift unmanned systems; and certain electronic and information systems.

Jim Chilton will lead Boeing's Space and Missile Systems, which will comprise satellites; Boeing's share of United Launch Alliance; the International Space Station; Ground-based -Midcourse Defense; Ground Based Strategic Deterrent; Joint Direct Attack Munition and Harpoon weapons, among others.

Shelley Lavender will be in charge of Strike, Surveillance and Mobility, which will include F-15 and F/A-18 fighters; P-8 maritime patrol aircraft; Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System; modifications/upgrades to fixed-wing aircraft.

Boeing's AH-6i, AH-64 Apache, and CH-47 Chinook helicopters will become part of the new vertical lift segment, led by David Koopersmith.

The development, global operations, and phantom works segments, which also report to Caret, will largely be unchanged, the company said.-TradeArabia News Service