USA Approves $4.5 Billion KC-46A Aircraft Sale to Qatar

The US State Department has approved the $4.5 billion sale of KC-46A type aerial refueling aircraft to Qatar. It was stated that Qatar wants to purchase up to 4 KC-46A aircraft, 8 PW4062 turbofan engines including 4 spare parts, radar warning receivers, infrared countermeasure systems and other equipment and support services.

It was reported that the sale was sent to the US Congress for approval. It was noted that the sale, which was emphasized that it would not change the basic military balance in the region, would support US national security by "helping to improve the security of a strategic regional partner."

Qatar is home to Al-Udeid Air Base, the largest US military base in the Middle East. The base was targeted several times by Iran during the conflict that started on February 28.