The following is a statement from Paul K. Meyer, Northrop Grumman vice president and general manager, Advanced Technology and Programs Division, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems sector, concerning the U.S. Air Force aerial refueling tanker replacement program.

"Northrop Grumman's analysis of the U.S. Air Force's draft Request for Proposals is ongoing and the company looks forward to its discussions with the Air Force to better understand the customer's request, which will help shape the company's competitive response."

"Northrop Grumman continues to be greatly concerned that its pricing information from the previous tanker competition was provided by the Government to its competitor, Boeing. Access to comparable pricing information from Boeing has thus far been denied by the Pentagon. With predominant emphasis placed on price in this tanker re-competition and Northrop Grumman again proposing its KC-45 refueling tanker, such competitive pricing information takes on even greater importance. It is fundamentally unfair, and distorts any new competition, to provide such critical information to only one of the bidders. The company will continue to work with its customer to fully resolve this issue."