The Air Force's selection of Northrop Grumman to build a next-generation bomber may run into flak from contract-losers Lockheed Martin and Boeing.

The two companies, who teamed for the multi-billion dollar contract, indicated they are seeking information as to how and why they failed to be chosen for the Long Range Strike Bomber program that will be worth as much as $80 billion.

"The Boeing and Lockheed Martin team is disappointed by today's [Tuesday's] announcement," they said in a joint statement. "We will have further discussions with our customer before determining our next steps.

"We are interested in knowing how the competition was scored in terms of price and risk, as we believe that the combination of Boeing and Lockheed Martin offers unparalleled experience, capability and resources for this critically important recapitalization program."

At no point in their statement, however, was a direct mention of a possible official protest made.

The new bomber will be a stealth aircraft capable of carrying thermonuclear weapons as well as conventional munitions and feature an open architecture for easy addition of new technologies as they arise. It is also expected to have a flying-wing design. It will eventually replace the Air Force's B-2 and B-52 bombers and is expected to achieve initial operating capability in the mid-2020s.

The Air Force plans to procure 100 of the bombers, which will be the backbone of America's strategic strike and deterrence capabilities.

"Building this bomber is a strategic investment in the next 50 years, and represents our aggressive commitment to a strong and balanced force," Secretary of Defense Ash Carter said in pre-announcement remarks at the Pentagon. "It demonstrates our commitment to our allies and our determination to potential adversaries, making it crystal clear that the United States will continue to retain the ability to project power throughout the globe long into the future."

The contract awarded to Northrop Grumman is in two parts: the Engineering and Manufacturing Development, or EMD, phase and production lot options for production of 21 aircraft.

"The Air Force has made the right decision for our nation's security," said Wes Bush, chairman, chief executive officer and president of Northrop Grumman. "As the company that developed and delivered the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, we look forward to providing the Air Force with a highly-capable and affordable next-generation Long-Range Strike Bomber.

"Our team has the resources in place to execute this important program, and we're ready to get to work."