The U.S. State Department announced on the 20th that it has approved a potential arms sale to Qatar involving aerial refueling aircraft and related equipment, with an estimated total value reaching $4.5 billion.

According to a statement from the department, Qatar has requested the purchase of up to four KC-46A aerial refueling tankers, along with associated components and services including engines, radar warning receivers, and infrared countermeasure systems.

The statement noted that this sale will help enhance the security capabilities of a "key strategic regional partner" of the United States, thereby supporting Washington's foreign policy and national security objectives. It will also bolster Qatar's defensive capacity, improve interoperability with U.S. and coalition forces, and reinforce Doha's strategic role in regional security.

The KC-46A is the newest refueling aircraft in the U.S. Air Force's inventory, developed by Boeing based on the airframe of the Boeing 767 commercial jet. The first aircraft was delivered to the U.S. Air Force in January 2019. According to Boeing, beyond aerial refueling support, the aircraft possesses the combat capabilities and data transmission functions required of a multi-mission tanker.