The United States has approved a plan to sell KC-46A aircraft to Qatar, a deal expected to strengthen the country’s role in regional security. The US State Department put the potential sale’s total value at $4.5 billion.
The proposal, prepared under the Foreign Military Sales program, calls for Qatar to receive four KC-46A aerial refueling aircraft and eight PW4062 turbofan engines. The package also includes radar warning receivers, laser transmitter systems and other equipment.
Qatar’s regional role
The State Department said the planned sale would strengthen Qatar’s strategic role in regional security. The department said the deal would not alter the region’s fundamental military balance.
Tensions after the war with Iran
The approval was announced at a time of heightened regional tensions following the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran at the end of February. Thousands of people are believed to have been killed in the clashes, while Iran retaliated against US bases and assets in Gulf countries.
Although the parties reached an agreement to end the war, periodic reciprocal attacks have continued.