WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, signed a letter to President-Elect Obama urging the continued production of the F-22A Raptor. The Raptor is a critical component of the U.S. Strike Force, and components are manufactured in Kalispell and Helena.

“It’s easy to take for granted that our men and women in combat zones have little to fear from enemy aircraft,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “For years, the United States has employed cutting-edge technology to establish air supremacy, and we cannot become complacent. The F-22 is an important part of the bigger national security picture, and its continued production is good for Montana.”

Sonju Industries in Kalispell and Summit Aeronautics Group in Helena make parts for the F-22. Together, they employ 33 Montanans directly and 70 indirectly. According to the National Defense Authorization Act, the President must certify his intention to either cancel or continue F-22 production by March 1, 2009.

“Denny’s strong efforts to encourage the development of a technology sector in Helena and throughout the state has resulted in the creation of many new, high-paying jobs,” said Tom Hoffman the CEO of Summit Aeronautics Group. “All of us here at Summit appreciate his support for the extension of the F-22 program. It makes a big difference for a lot of Montanans.”

“I’m proud that Montana companies are playing a lead roll in securing our air superiority in the next decade,” said Rehberg. “Now is not the time to deny our armed forces the resources they need.”