Gates: U.S. Air Force to choose tankers

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. Air Force will be in charge of selecting a new fleet of refueling tanker aircraft, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Wednesday.

While the military branch would be in charge of selection, Gates said his office would monitor closely the process, The Hill reported.

"I don't need to belabor the importance of getting this done soon and done right, and my office will continue to have a robust oversight role," Gates said in prepared remarks to the Air Force Association's annual meeting. "We are committed to the integrity of the selection process, and cannot afford the kind of letdowns, parochial squabbles, and corporate food-fights that have bedeviled this effort in the past."

The Air Force sat on the sidelines during the bidding process when Pentagon leadership took over the $35 billion contract after Boeing protested the Air Force's contract award to Northrop Grumman and EADS, parent company of Airbus.

The Air Force is expected to issue a draft request for proposals soon, Gates said, promising that draft will also be shared with lawmakers.

Gates also expressed confidence in the Air Force's new leadership.

"(The) Air Force is fortunate to have a deep bench of senior flag officers, including four combatant commanders," Gates said. "I depend greatly on their expert advice and strategic vision to fulfill my duties."