Agence France-Presse,
Washington: The US Defense Department said on Wednesday it has made no decision to delay the purchase of aerial refueling tankers, despite reports the White House asked it to put off the move.
The Pentagon declined to discuss details of a request reportedly made by the White House budget office to consider postponing buying the new fleet of refueling tankers, as well as canceling a new long-range bomber.
The multi-billion dollar projects have been eagerly watched, and coveted, by US and European aerospace rivals.
“I think it's fair to say that there's nothing new or different about that, that they (Office of Management and Budget) provide options, they provide suggestions, as do a number of people,” Morrell told reporters.
“But they should not be confused with a directive of any kind.”
He added that no decisions had been made on the tanker or other major weapons projects.
“I can assure you that no decisions have been made about any one of the programs that are under review and that, if you hear contrary, you're hearing false information,” he said.
The 35-billion project for a new generation of refueling tankers has been plagued by disputes and scandal.
The politically-charged contract was initially awarded in February 2008 to Northrup Grumman and its European partner, the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS).
But the deal was withdrawn in July after US aerospace giant Boeing successfully appealed the decision with backing from members of Congress.
EADS is the parent company of European aircraft manufacturer — and fierce Boeing rival — Airbus.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates in January said he hoped to reopen bidding in the spring on the tanker project, with a decision due in early 2010.
French Defense Minister Herve Morin called for fair competition on any future contract for the tankers during a visit to Washington earlier this month.
Gates has warned that budget pressures will require tough choices with some expensive weapons programs having to be cut or scaled back.
US defense giants and the lawmakers allied with them have sought to fend off the budget cuts, portraying the building of new aircraft carriers or fighter aircraft as a way of creating or saving jobs at a time of economic crisis.
Congressional Quarterly on Tuesday reported the request for a delay of the tankers and that the White house budget office had also suggested canceling a new long-range Air Force bomber, citing unnamed sources.
