The following is a statement from Randy Belote, Vice President of Strategic Communications for Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) , concerning today's release of a draft Request For Proposals (RFP) for the U. S Air Force aerial refueling tanker replacement program.

"Northrop Grumman applauds the Defense Department and U.S. Air Force for re-starting the effort to replace its Eisenhower-era KC-135 aerial refueling tankers, and the company is looking forward to competing for and winning the contract again.

"Northrop Grumman will review the draft RFP and provide the U.S. Air Force with comments on the draft in short order. We will defer further public comments until we have completed our review."