Nato members have tentatively chosen a supplier for surveillance planes and drones in a deal that is worth up to €4 billion and a final decision is pending, a spokesman said today.
Europe's EADS and US rival Raytheon lead separate consortia bidding on the rare joint major platform purchase by the 26-member Nato.
Committees representing member states have chosen one and have asked members to approve it, a Nato spokesman said by telephone from Brussels.
"It's gone to nations, principally to national armament directors, for final approval," he said. A silent period during which members may formally contest the decision is set to end "in the next few days", he added.