The Wichita aircraft parts maker created when Boeing Co. spun off its commercial airplane business is looking to expand its work for the military.

Spirit Aerosystems is a major supplier of fuselages and other components for planes built by Boeing and Airbus.

The Wichita Eagle reports the company is now working to market its expertise with metals and composites to contractors that build aircraft for the military. Phil Anderson, senior vice president of defense and contracts, said Spirit is exploring the potential of the unmanned aerial vehicle market and work on the F-35 fighter jet.

Aerospace analyst Richard Aboulafia says it’s a good strategy in the event of falling demand for commercial aircraft. He says the volume of Spirit’s commercial work gives it an advantage in pursuing defense work.