WASHINGTON, D.C. - Absent a 2010 defense budget from the Pentagon, the chairman of the House Appropriations subcommittee on defense has fashioned his own military spending plan. Key elements of Rep. John Murtha’s plan: A new refueling tanker is the top Air Force priority, and splitting the buy between Boeing and Northrop Grumman is his priority. Murtha also wants a second engine option for the Joint Strike Fighter, even if the Air Force doesn’t. (Source: Defense News, 03/25/09) Gulf Coast note: If Northrop Grumman and partner EADS win some of the tanker competition, planes will be assembled in Mobile, Ala.; The Joint Strike Fighter training center is being built at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.
