AJ, Washington DC

In Defense of Northrup-Grumman's USAF Contract Win

I think NATO/EU already uses the EAD tanker. Long term logistical and maintenance will be simplified by having one tanker design. Final assembly of the tankers will be in the US, even though the components may be made in Europe, which is pretty much the same as any commercial large aircraft these days, with parts coming from South Asia. Besides, having EAD in the mix will probably sell additional tankers in Europe and the middle east and even Japan, which will bring the overall procurement cost down. In any case, the Engines will be supplied by GE, and built in North Carolina. Boeing should give it a rest - this was one contract that they knew they would have difficulty getting, ever since the 2002 debacle. Thanks for the great article.