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Obama takes aim at costly defense contracts
(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-03-05 13:55

Defense Secretary Robert Gates has already told Congress the Pentagon faces tough decisions on expensive weapons programs partly as a result of the global economic downturn and continuing war costs in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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The Pentagon is reviewing the acquisition process and is expected to make decisions on the fate of big-ticket programs such as Lockheed Martin's premier F-22 jet.

Lockheed Martin, the Pentagon's top supplier by sales, said on Wednesday it would work with the government and Congress to ensure effective systems were developed and deployed.

Boeing Co, the No. 2 contractor, said it was committed to providing "the very best value for the taxpayer."

The Aerospace Industries Association, which represents top US defense contractors, disputed Obama's statement that there had been a blank check for contractors.

"There's always been oversight, accountability and enforcement of acquisition rules," said Cord Sterling, the group's vice president.

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