Gates supports speeding up tanker acquisition, opposes Boeing-Northrop split

Defense Secretary Robert Gates said he'd like to see the Air Force receive more aerial refueling tankers in a quicker manner than previously discussed.

But he still wants only one defense contractor supplying those tankers.

Gates is wrapping up a press conference this morning on his 2010 defense budget, telling reporters he plans to revive the tanker contest between Northrop Grumman and Boeing this summer.

While fielding questions for reporters, Gates reiterated his opposition to splitting the Air Force tanker contest between Northrop and Boeing -- a tactic that Rep. John Murtha may try to force later this week.

Gates believes the only reason the split-buy is being considered in Congress is because of fears this latest round will be protested, drawing out an already lengthy process.

But the Defense Secretary says he believes that if the Air Force carries out the contest according to is own rules, its decision would be upheld if there was a protest.

Gates does support Murtha's idea of speeding up the number of tankers the Air Force would receive -- but wants the tanker to come from one supplier.