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Pentagon opposes dual tanker deal
Washington (AFP) March 13, 2009 The US Defense Department said Friday it opposed a key lawmaker's proposal this week to split in two a 35-billion-dollar plan to replace the Pentagon's aging fleet of in-air refueling tankers. "(Defense) Secretary (Robert) Gates' position on a split buy is clear to all involved. He thinks it is impractical and inefficient and he is adamantly opposed to it," said Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell. Democratic Congressman Neil Abercrombie, chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces, called this week for dividing the politically charged contract between US and European aerospace rivals. Abercrombie said Wednesday that Northrup Grumman and its European partner, the European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS) should share the package with US giant Boeing. "A two-tanker solution is better than a no-tanker solution," said the Hawaii Democrat's chief spokesman, Dave Helfer. "We've labored for a long time and achieved precisely nothing and he wants to get'er going." Abercrombie reportedly has the support of several lawmakers, including Democratic Congressman John Murtha, chairman of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee. "We certainly appreciate Chairman Murtha's unwavering support of our war fighters, but Secretary Gates has not decided when to rebid the replacement tankers," Morrell said. "That program, like so many others, is under scrutiny as part of the fiscal year 2010 budget process and no decisions have been made yet." The politically charged contract was initially awarded in February 2008 to Northrup Grumman and EADS. But the deal was withdrawn in July after US aerospace giant Boeing successfully appealed the decision with backing from members of Congress. EADS is the parent company of European aircraft manufacturer Airbus, a fierce Boeing rival. Gates said in January that he hoped to reopen bidding in the spring on the tanker project, with a decision due in early 2010. Related Links The Military Industrial Complex at SpaceWar.com Learn about the Superpowers of the 21st Century at SpaceWar.com
Analysis: European defense contracts
Brussels (UPI) Jan 26, 2009 French arms exports soared by almost 15 percent in 2008, the French government announced earlier this month. France hopes to further boost its international arms exports by finally creating overseas demand for its long-criticized Rafale fighter jet, manufactured by Dassault. |
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