Air Force looks at tanker contractors after KC-X delays

Published 1:17 pm Monday, December 8, 2008

With the resumption of the tanker competition delayed until next year, the U.S. Air Force will begin meeting next week with contractors to discuss meeting its near-term aerial refueling needs.

Although the Air Force has asked for formal bids yet, it will explain its requirements to contractors Dec. 16, reports Air Force Times.

In February, the Air Force awarded Northrop Grumman and EADS a contract to begin replacing its KC-135 fleet. But the deal was nixed after government auditors found the competition to be flawed. Defense Secretary Robert Gates halted the contest until the new administration takes office, delaying when the Air Force could start receiving tankers.

Gates, who will stay on in his position under the next administration, recently gave his take on defense spending in Foreign Affairs.