It’s too risky to hitch our defense to France
Our nation’s defense since World War II has been largely based on rapid deployment of air power around the globe, and aerial refueling has been an absolutely essential component.
Awarding the new tanker contract to Airbus/EADS might make some sense if technical advantages versus Boeing were the only considerations, but has the Air Force brass considered the colossal strategic risk?
For the past 50 years, U.S.-manufactured Boeing KC-135 tankers have carried most of the load well beyond their years. There is no doubt we need a new aircraft. But is this a good time to roll the dice and outsource the production of a key military asset that could tie us to the shifting political winds of France for the next 50 years?
