OREANDA-NEWS. December 23, 2015. The following is a statement by

Randy Belote, vice president of strategic communications for Northrop Grumman Corporation:

Northrop Grumman confirms that it filed comments with the GAO in support of the Air Force's decision to award Northrop Grumman the LRS-B program. We are now even more confident that the Air Force followed an extraordinarily thorough and careful selection process and picked the right team in Northrop Grumman to serve our nation. We understand that Boeing has filed an additional brief in this matter. This is a routine step, particularly at this stage in a protest, and not in any way indicative of a meritorious protest.

Northrop Grumman remains confident that we offered an inherently more affordable solution, reflecting our long and successful record of innovation, and that the GAO will affirm the Air Force's decision. The Air Force made the right choice in selecting Northrop Grumman to produce America's new bomber and we look forward to getting back to work to fulfill this vital mission.