The Air Force Is About to Announce the Winner of an $80 Billion Bomber Contract
- New plane said to be discussed at Pentagon meeting last week
- Competition pits Northrop against a Boeing-Lockheed team
A B-2 Spirit bomber prepares to receive fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker during a mission in the European theater supporting NATO Operation Allied Force.
Photographer: Staff Sgt. Ken Bergmann/U.S. Air ForceThis article is for subscribers only.
The U.S. Air Force plans an award as soon as Tuesday for the contract to develop and produce its newest bomber, defense officials said, providing the first glimpse into a secretive program to bolster the nation’s long-range strike capability.
The final hurdle in the competition between Northrop Grumman Corp. and a Boeing Co.-Lockheed Martin Corp. team was cleared Friday, when Pentagon weapons buyer Frank Kendall briefed senior Defense Department leaders on the selection, the officials said. Kendall’s role in the contract was to approve the service proceeding with the award.