Federal Drive

Gates still wants Air Force tankers

Defense Secretary Robert Gates says he\'s committed to the Air Force\'s new refueling tanker.

Federal News Network Staff

April 22, 2011 8:40 am

< a min read

The Pentagon is committed to its $35 billion refueling tanker replacement program, no matter what other budget cuts may come. That’s according to Defense Secretary Robert Gates. National Journal reports Gates is not ruling out a reduction in quantities of the tanker and other weapons systems under review. DOD has launched a comprehensive review to scrounge up $400 billion in savings over the next 12 years. Gates says any proposed change in force structure or mission would be considered for its national defense consequences.

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