The US State Department announced on the 20th that it has decided to approve a potential arms sale to Qatar, including aerial refueling aircraft and related equipment, with an estimated total value of up to $4.5 billion (about RM 18.185 billion).
In a statement, the State Department said that Qatar had requested to purchase up to four KC-46A aerial refueling aircraft, as well as engines, radar warning receivers, infrared countermeasure systems, and other related accessories and services.
The statement noted that this arms sale will help enhance the security capabilities of the US' strategic regional partner, thus supporting US foreign policy and national security objectives. It will also strengthen Qatar’s defense capabilities and its interoperability with US and allied forces, and further solidify Qatar’s strategic role in regional security.
The KC-46A is the newest refueling aircraft equipped by the US Air Force, developed by Boeing based on the Boeing 767 passenger aircraft, with the first aircraft delivered to the US Air Force in January 2019. According to Boeing, in addition to aerial refueling support, the aircraft also features the operational capabilities and data transmission functions required for multi-mission tanker aircraft.