The Defense Acquisition Board has set Feb. 13 as the date to review the Air Force’s decision on the KC-X tanker replacement program, reports Flight International. Announcement of the winner would come within 10 days afterward, industry sources tell FI. The war of words has continued even after the two competitors—Boeing and Northrop Grumman-EADS—turned in their proposals. Most recently EADS said it would use a proposed KC-X plant in Alabama to build a commercial airlifter, boosting the projected economic gain to the region. While, Boeing touted a commissioned report that found its proposed tanker would be more fuel-efficient than the Northrop-EADS aircraft.
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.
