Competition heats up for next-gen Air Force bomber contract: Plans for the next-generation bomber, one of the top acquisition priorities for the Air Force, remain largely hidden from the public, but the major contractors vying for the program have been throwing punches at each other in their limited open discussions on the project.
Lockheed Martin and Boeing are combining forces to vie for the contract, which is expected to be announced this spring. The two giants of the defense industry are going against Northrop Grumman, the company that produced the Air Force's current stealth bomber, the B-2 Spirit.
Speaking to reporters Thursday in Arlington, Virginia, Lockheed Martin CEO Marillyn Hewson said the company's deal with Boeing, much like a similar deal to build the F-22 Raptor, puts her firm in the best position to win the deal.
"It's important to our company, it's important to Boeing," she said. "We think it's a very important opportunity."
