Senator Murray’s Statement on Northrop Grumman’s Announcement that they Will Drop Out of Aerial Refueling Tanker Competition

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement after Northrop Grumman announced they would be dropping out of the bidding process in the competition to provide the Air Force’s next generation of aerial refueling tankers.



“This competition has always been about delivering the best plane for our men and women in uniform at the best price for taxpayers, and today’s news doesn’t change that. Boeing still must bring a very competitive bid to the table that meets all the requirements the Pentagon has set forth.



“This is not a competition between bidders, it’s a competition against the requirements. Requirements like providing a tanker that has improved capabilities to meet the modern needs of our military, that can carry the fuel and cargo to meet varied missions, and that provides the best protections to keep our forces safe in every corner of the globe.



“I have no doubt that Washington workers are ready to deliver for our service members on all of these requirements. And I am going to work to ensure that in the end this contract serves the taxpayers’ best interests.



“Washington workers deserve this opportunity. They have delivered a combat ready tanker before and they’re ready to do it again. But today’s news is by no means the end of the line, and this contract is no slam dunk. It’s important to remember that the American people are the customers, and that we drive a hard bargain.

 

“I will continue to work to ensure that this competition moves forward fairly and transparently. American service members and taxpayers deserve nothing less.”