Deputy Defense Secretary William Lynn said Monday Pentagon officials “are disappointed” by Northrop Grumman’s decision to withdraw from the Air Force’s KC-X tanker contest (see Opting Out above). Further, he said the Defense Department still thinks the KC-X competition is “structured fairly” and that “both companies could compete effectively.” Meanwhile, Boeing, which is now ostensibly the sole bidder, “remains 100 percent focused … and intends to submit a fully responsive, transparent, and competitive proposal,” said company spokesman Bill Barksdale. (Lynn statement) (Boeing statement) (See also EADS North America release)
Air Force Eyes New-Build F-16s to Boost Fighter Force
Sept. 16, 2026
The Air Force will consider acquiring new F-16 Fighting Falcon jets to answer capacity shortfalls in its aging fighter fleet, according to multiple people familiar with the matter. These discussions are happening as the Air Force is building its proposed fiscal 2028 budget and the five-year spending plan that goes…
