U.S. Probe of Northrop Over B-2 Confirmed

The Defense Department confirmed today that the government is conducting an investigation into possible fraud by Northrop Corp. in the B-2 stealth bomber program.

Pentagon spokesman Pete Williams said a criminal probe by the Defense and Justice departments is under way but that it did not involve any questionable parts or the operational ability of the controversial radar-evading bomber, which first flew this month.

Williams would not elaborate on the investigation. But other Defense officials confirmed a Washington Post report that it involved possible fraudulent billing in the program, which has thus far cost the government nearly $23 billion.

“This (investigation) would in no way affect the integrity of the B-2. We’re not talking about bad parts,” Williams told Reuters.

Northrop spokesman Tony Cantafio said: “The company is not aware of a criminal investigation into the B-2.”