Some might say the alleged ‘misinformation’ and ‘fake news items’ about MB products that fed directly into Forbes mag a few years back has finally paid off.
Collins/BFGoodrich or whatever they call themselves this year, are probably still smarting over F-35 and T- 38 contracts. The USN still prefers MB and this has pi**ed off the Air Force for years. So this is perhaps a USG balancing act to sweeten the Air Force star chambers? I mean, it’s not ‘corrupt’, like slipping your mate a couple of mil to produce useless medical garments, is it? Best for the job? - Probably doesn’t come into it.
All the above is caveated with ‘allegedly’ and views only reflect my personal opinions.