The US Department of State has approved a possible $4.5bn foreign military sale (FMS) to Qatar for KC-46A aerial refuelling aircraft and related equipment.
According to the Department of State’s announcement, Qatar seeks to procure up to four KC-46A aircraft, eight PW4062 turbofan engines, including four for installation and four as spares, as well as 10 AN/ALR-69A radar warning receivers.
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The package also features 15 Guardian Laser Transmitter Assemblies for Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure (LAIRCM) systems, and eight LAIRCM system processor replacements.
The proposed sale also covers non-major defence equipment items including missile warning sensors, electronic warfare and communications systems, navigation aids, maintenance and training support, spare parts, technical documentation, and logistics services.
Boeing, with Pratt & Whitney, RTX, and Northrop Grumman have been identified as the principal contractors for the FMS.
The Department of State said the proposed sale would strengthen US foreign policy and national security by enhancing the security of a key regional partner that plays a significant role in the Middle East.
It added that the sale would boost Qatar’s defence capacity, improve cooperation with US and allied forces, and reinforce Qatar’s position in regional security.
No additional US government or contractor personnel will be assigned to Qatar as part of the delivery or support for the programme.
The sale is subject to approval by the US Congress, as is standard for major arms exports.
The KC-46A, manufactured by Boeing for the US Air Force, is a wide-body tanker designed for aerial refuelling as well as transporting cargo, passengers, and medical patients.
Based on the KC-767, the KC-46A can carry 18 cargo pallets and transport 58 passengers under normal conditions or up to 114 during contingency operations. The aircraft is also capable of urgent aeromedical evacuation, with capacity for up to 54 medical patients.
Qatar’s request for aerial refuelling aircraft comes amid efforts to bolster its defences following attacks linked to heightened tensions with Iran since late February.
GlobalData’s report on Qatar’s defence market indicates that the country allocated an estimated $17bn to its defence budget in 2026, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.5% from 2022. The budget is expected to continue rising, reaching approximately $20.8bn by 2031, with a projected CAGR of 3.8% over the forecast period.
In March last year, the US State Department authorisation for a potential $1.96bn sale of MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft and related equipment to Qatar.
