Associated Press |  Boeing Co. said Tuesday that it will bring an
estimated 450 jobs and $25 million in annual economic impact to
Michigan if it wins the Pentagon’s contract to build a new fleet of
aerial refueling jets.

The aerospace company said its proposed plane, based on a military
variant of the 767 passenger jet, would include components made by
companies with manufacturing facilities in Michigan. Those include Eaton
Aerospace, General Electric and Honeywell International.

Boeing is competing with Airbus parent European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co. (EADS) for the lucrative Air Force contract to build 179 planes. The jets are meant to replace the military’s aging KC-135 refueling jets.

The Pentagon has struggled for nearly a decade to pick a company for the project. An award is expected this year.

Boeing shares fell 50 cents, to $62.60, in afternoon trading.