Northrop: Split tanker buy less costly

A report prepared by Northrop Grumman says buying aerial tankers from Boeing and Northrop could offer significant long-term savings. That’s different than what Secretary of Defense Robert Gates says. He says a split buy would add $7 billion to $14 billion to the price tag. Northrop points out that it’s not advocating a split buy, just providing the information. (Source: Reuters, 06/04/09) Gulf Coast note: Northrop and partner EADS want to build the tankers in Mobile, Ala. Boeing wants to build its planes in Washington State.