November 19, 2002 U.S. Defense, Made In Europe?

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By Brenda Carol, Newswriter

Airbus is just about to knock Boeing out of the top spot as the world’s number-one commercial aircraft manufacturer. Now, the European-based company wants a piece of the U.S. defense market. It won’t be an easy sell but Airbus is trying to make a case that competition will drive down the cost of manufacturing aircraft. "Having competition, which ensures that monopolistic pricing doesn't occur, is a good thing," argues Ralph Crosby, chief executive of the European Aeronautic Defense & Space Company (EADS) North America. "We are forthright competitors in the commercial-airplane market. We are going to press forward to offer our products," Crosby told The Seattle Times. Doesn't seem to have mentioned all those allegations of subsidies and other props that some say have helped nudge Airbus into its current spot.  EADS has hired lobbyists in America to champion its cause and will likely use the argument that setting up plants in America and hiring U.S. workers will be good for the U.S. Or maybe we should settle this the European way and have a duel: Eurofighter and Joint Strike Fighter at 60 paces....