Reuters news service reports that Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said last week, after Northrop Grumman officials said the company could pull out of the latest effort to select a KC-X tanker because it deemed the contest unfair, that he would “find that extraordinarily hard to believe.” He continued, saying the “extremely lucrative” nature of the KC-X program would necessarily generate a “healthy competition.” The Air Force planned to issue a final request for proposals soon, but both Boeing and Northrop have submitted numerous questions and concerns over the draft RFP.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.
