U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), today released the following statement regarding the decision by EADS to bid in the competition to replace the US Air Force’s aging aerial refueling tanker fleet:

“The objective should be to acquire the best new tanker for the US Air Force.  A sole-sourced contract would have served only Boeing’s interest.  The presence of a competitor better serves the interest of our warfighters and American taxpayers.  I remain concerned that this competition is already skewed towards a smaller, less capable airframe, but it is my hope that the Air Force will recognize that EADS brings the most modern, versatile, and cost-effective tanker currently available to this competition. Our warfighters deserve nothing less.”