The Boeing Company has evolved into the world's largest producer of commercial aircraft as well as a prime defense and aerospace contractor. The company's defense-related research and development activities include guided missile programs, ICBMs, bomber aircraft, military transport aircraft, and space and lunar vehicles.

Founded by a Seattle timberman in 1916, The Boeing Company has continued to expand its defense contractor role as it evolved from a small plane producer in World War I to providing bombers and transport aircraft to Allied air forces in World War II. Boeing made its greatest expansion in the aftermath of World War II with its involvement in the missile and space programs. Its research and innovation into bombers, missiles and delivery systems made it an integral part of U.S. strategic development during the Cold War. In the post-Cold War period, Boeing continues to explore and manufacture aircraft, missiles, and space and lunar vehicles.

American aerospace company —the world's largest—that is the foremost manufacturer of commercial jet transports. It is also a leading producer of military aircraft, helicopters, space vehicles, and missiles, a standing significantly enhanced with the company's acquisition of the aerospace and defense units of Rockwell International Corporation in 1996 and its merger with McDonnell Douglas Corporation in 1997. Formerly Boeing Airplane Company, the firm assumed its current name in 1961 to reflect its expansion into fields beyond aircraft manufacture. Headquarters were in Seattle until 2001, when Boeing relocated to Chicago.