Recently, Matt Whiting posted:

Jay Somerset wrote:
What nonsense! The "Europeans" did not submit the bid. The prime
contractor was Northrop Grumman -- an American company. EADS is
merely a subcontractor (aka teaming partner).

Technically, yes, but from what I've read they are basically building
the entire airframe. It isn't clear what Northrop Grumman's role is
other than final fitment for delivery and probably they will provide
the service and support. Anyone find anything detailed as to what
they are doing vs. EADS?

I'm not sure it matters as I don't think this award will stick,
especially not during an election year and one in which the economy is
struggling.

I wouldn't bet on that. The reality is that there are no purely "American"
products of the complexity of an automobile. Boeing has outsourced the
manufacturing of most of its airframes as well, and only does some final
assembly and fitting out here. So, in the eyes of the purchaser (e.g. U.S.
Government) there is no significant distinction between these two bids.

Neil