The Trump administration has approved a possible $4.5 billion sale of KC-46A refuelling aircraft and related equipment to Qatar…reports Asian Lite News Desk
The Trump administration has approved a possible $4.5 billion sale of KC-46A aerial refuelling aircraft and related equipment to Qatar, the US State Department said.
Qatar has requested up to four KC-46A aircraft, along with eight PW4062 turbofan engines, including four spares, radar warning receivers, infrared countermeasure systems and other equipment and support services, according to a State Department statement cited by Xinhua news agency.
The proposed package also includes missile warning sensors, cartridge-actuated and propellant-actuated devices, control interface units, user data module cards, electronic warfare database support, KIV-77 crypto modules, KY-100M crypto terminals and other parts.
The State Department said Qatar would have no difficulty integrating the equipment and services into its armed forces. It added that the proposed sale would not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs said the deal would strengthen Qatar’s ability to respond to current and future threats by enhancing its defence capabilities and interoperability with US and allied forces.
“The proposed sale will increase Qatar’s capability to meet current and future threats by enhancing its defense capabilities and interoperability with U.S. and allied forces and reinforcing Qatar’s strategic role in regional security,” the bureau said.
The proposed agreement comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following the US and Israel’s war against Iran, which began in late February and resulted in thousands of deaths. Iran retaliated by targeting US bases and assets across Gulf countries.
The announcement also comes as President Donald Trump has warned that Iran could face tougher sanctions while playing down the future strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz.
“We have things that we could sanction. We have very Draconian sanctions, and we’ll see what happens,” Trump said at the White House when asked about possible new measures against Tehran.
Trump said vessels were continuing to move through the Strait of Hormuz, a major route connecting the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea and carrying a significant share of global energy shipments.
“Right now, the Strait is open; we’ve got a lot of boats coming through, people aren’t reporting that,” he said. “And that may slow down a little bit at some point, but right now a lot of boats are coming through.”
Trump also claimed that a US naval blockade against Iran had prevented ships from reaching the country, although he did not provide supporting figures during his remarks.
The KC-46A is a US aerial refuelling aircraft designed to support military aircraft during operations and can also perform other transport and logistical missions. The potential sale remains subject to the US foreign military sales process.
