WASHINGTON, Aug. 6 /EMWNews/ -- The following is a

statement of Randy Belote, Northrop Grumman Vice President, Corporate &

International Communications, concerning today's release of a draft Request

For Proposals for the next generation of aerial refueling tankers.



    "Northrop Grumman applauds the Defense Department for recognizing the

urgency of replacing the Eisenhower-era refueling tankers via a thorough

yet speedy revised acquisition process. We are reviewing the draft RFP with

an eye toward ensuring that it addresses the issues raised by the GAO in a

way that facilitates a fair and non-political evaluation of the competing

bids. It is vital that this effort leads to the selection of the aerial

refueling tanker that provides the most capability to our men and women in

uniform at the best value to the American taxpayer.



    "We intend to provide the Department of Defense our comments on the

draft in short order."