According to an Associated Press report, two contractors in the A-12 program, Boeing and General Dynamics, are fighting to avoid a government-demanded repayment of $1.35 billion (plus interest) from the failed aircraft acquisition.  The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the contractors’ complaint that the government invoked a state secrets defense that has prevented them from adequately defending their position in the decades-long running contract dispute.

Most people under the age of 40 probably don’t know what the A-12 Avenger even is.  The over-budget, behind-schedule program to replace frontline Navy aircraft was finally cancelled in 1991.