The Tanker Game

The KC-X saga continues as the Pentagon indicated last week it might consider an extension of the request for proposals deadline to allow EADS time to submit a solo bid. Following the pullout of the Northrop Grumman-EADS team, only Boeing remained. On Friday, EADS North America stated it’s “assessing this new situation,” but it also stated that the company still has “underlying concerns that the RFP clearly favors a smaller, less capable aircraft.” Pro-Boeing tanker proponent Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) said in a statement Friday that EADS “has continually threatened to pull out if the requirements aren’t changed in their favor.” She chastised the Pentagon for “even considering … extending the hard deadline.” And, in the other corner, Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) said in a statement Friday he’s “encouraged” by the prospect of an extension, which he said would help the Air Force “get it right.”