The $35bn US Airforce contract has been awarded to Boeing, the major American aerospace and defense corporation. It has to provide 179 refueling tankers.
This contract definitely speaks of a very convoluted history.
EADS, the European aerospace and defense corporation, expresses disappointment.
It would definitely be interesting to observe the reasons behind Boeing winning the deal. In 2008, EADS was a sub-contractor in this $35 bn contract for aerial refueling tankers.
It had then partnered with Northrop Grumman Group. The partnership was broken last year, forcing EADS to bid alone. Supposedly, Northrop understood that the clauses of the contract would favour Boeing.
Re-appeal by EADS
Whether or not, it would re-appeal, has not been disclosed yet. It has ten days to file a complain in the Government Accountability Office. The decision would come in next 100 days.
This would again add to the 90 day extension which EADS had requested for due to the sudden breaking in the partnership with Northrop.
Air refueling tankers
The US Airforce has dramatically enhanced its role in using the air refueling tankers after the wars in Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq. So, have the need of the small fighter bombers too, on the rise.
Boeing has already completed more than 60% of the testing conditions. Though, the tankers/planes are three years behind, taking into consideration the phenomenal hue and cry over the contract.
shubhdachaudhary 