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Washington: The departure of the US Air Force's two top leaders gives ammunition to critics of recent Air Force acquisition decisions and could slow progress on two big programmes that have already been delayed by years.
US officials said Defence Secretary Robert Gates requested the resignations of Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne and Chief of Staff General Michael Moseley on Thursday after a series of incidents raised questions about nuclear security.
"Inevitably this will create confusion as to the fate of programmes like the trans-Atlantic tanker deal and the next search-and-rescue helicopter," said Loren Thompson of the Virginia-based Lexington Institute.
In the absence of Wynne and Moseley, Pentagon chief arms buyer John Young and Congress are expected to take an even keener interest in Air Force acquisitions.
Those problems include Boeing Co's high-profile challenge of a $35 billion (Dh128.6b) refuelling aircraft programme. The Air Force awarded the deal in February to rival Northrop Grumman Corp and its European partner, EADS Corp. The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) is due to rule by June 19 on Boeing's protest.
Additional oversight
The Air Force is also wrapping up a $15 billion competition for new search-and-rescue helicopters. It was forced to redo the contest after the GAO twice upheld protests by Lockheed Martin Corp and Sikorsky Aircraft against the initial award to Boeing in November 2006. A contract award is expected in October.
Jim McAleese, a Virginia-based defence consultant, said the resignations would undoubtedly result in additional oversight by Young.
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