Boeing is eliminating a layer of executive oversight in its Defense, Space & Security (BDS) unit to accelerate decision-making and boost competitiveness. About 50 executive positions will be eliminated as a result of the changes.

As of July 1, the current Boeing Military Aircraft and Network & Space Systems segments will evolve into the following smaller entities reporting to Defense, Space & Security President and CEO Leanne Caret:

• Autonomous Systems: Insitu and Liquid Robotics subsidiaries; Echo Voyager maritime vehicle; vertical lift unmanned systems; and certain electronic and information systems.

• Space and Missile Systems: 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.

• Strike, Surveillance and Mobility: F-15 and F/A-18 fighters; P-8 maritime patrol aircraft; Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System; modifications/upgrades to fixed-wing aircraft.

• Vertical Lift: AH-6i, AH-64 Apache, and CH-47 Chinook helicopters; V-22 Osprey tilt rotor.

The new units will be led by Chris Raymond, Jim Chilton, Shelley Lavender, and David Koopersmith, respectively.

The Development, Global Operations, and Phantom Works segments, which also report to Caret, will largely be unchanged.