Responding to Tuesday’s news that EADS North America does intend to compete the Airbus A330 for the KC-X tanker program, Boeing said in an April 20 statement: “Only Boeing can produce a tanker that will meet the Air Force’s 372 requirements and promise delivery of a combat-ready, safe, and survivable tanker that is the most capable for the warfighter, the lowest cost for the taxpayer, and backed by Boeing’s proven US work force.” EADS North America officials said Tuesday that Boeing’s entrant would cost more because it’s an unproven design compared to the already developed Airbus tanker. Boeing noted that its NewGen Tanker is based on the proven Boeing 767 and would be built using “a low-risk approach to manufacturing that relies on existing Boeing facilities in Washington state and Kansas.” If it wins, EADS North America plans to build a final assembly plant in Alabama.
The Pentagon plans to use U.S. Air Force C-17s and C-130s to deport 5,400 people currently detained by Customs and Border Protection, officials announced Jan. 22, the first act in President Donald Trump’s sweeping promise to crack down on undocumented immigrants and increase border security.