Lockheed CEO positive over European deals

Argentina News.Net
Sunday 22nd June, 2008

Lockheed’s CEO Robert Stevens has said he welcomes the decision to award an Air Force contract to European group EADS and its US partner Northrop Grumman.

EADS, the European Defence and Aerospace Group, won a US$35 billion deal to supply refueling tankers to the US Air Force.

It won the bid over its rival, Lockheed.

Mr Stevens said he saw the contract as a sign that US defence markets were beginning to open up to international competition.

He said he also saw the deal as a good sign that US companies could expect reciprocal deals in Europe.

Stevens said Lockheed would now aim to grow its share of revenue generated outside of the United States to 20 percent from a current 15 percent.

The EADS/ Northrop Grumman Air Force contract is currently being challenged by Boeing.

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