Lockheed exits Air Force tanker competition, lifting Boeing's KC-46

Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) has withdrawn from the U.S. Air Force's competition to build at least 75 refueling tankers, the company said, giving Boeing's (BA.N) KC-46 Pegasus a boost in the closely watched multibillion-dollar defense contract.

Airbus (AIR.PA) teamed up with Lockheed as the prime contractor in 2018 to offer its A330 multi-role tanker transport. Now the European aerospace company will continue to pursue the competition but without Lockheed, Airbus said late Monday.