Tanker Delay on $21.7 Billion List of Possible Cuts

Pentagon officials are weighing $21.7 billion in cuts suggested by the Obama administration, including cancellation of an airborne laser and putting off the purchase of aerial refueling tankers, according to a budget document.

The Office of Management and Budget submitted the list in its Jan. 29 guidance to the Defense Department.

The document outlines “potential offsets” such as a five-year delay of the Air Force tanker contest that pits Boeing Co. against Northrop Grumman Corp.

The move would save $2.37 billion in fiscal year 2010 and $13.3 billion through 2014, according to the list.

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