U.S. Approves Qatar KC-46 Sale

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 60th Air Mobility Wing salute during the arrival of the fifth KC-46A Pegasus at Travis Air Force Base, California, on December 8, 2023 | U.S. Air Force photo by Chustine Minoda

The United States has approved a possible $4.50 billion sale of up to four KC-46A aerial refueling aircraft to Qatar, according to a State Department congressional notification issued on August 20.

The package includes four aircraft, eight Pratt & Whitney PW4062 engines, radar warning receivers, missile warning sensors and defensive systems. It also includes training, spare parts, maintenance, software, technical support and equipment.

The KC-46A is based on the Boeing 767 and is designed to refuel military aircraft in flight while also carrying cargo and personnel. It can use a boom and hose-and-drogue system for refueling.

The State Department said the sale would improve Qatar’s ability to respond to threats and interoperability with U.S. and allied forces. The department also said the sale would not alter the basic military balance in the region.

Boeing, Pratt & Whitney, RTX and Northrop Grumman are listed as the principal contractors. The notification said no offset agreement had been proposed.

The proposed sale comes as aerial refueling has faced losses and damage during the 2026 war involving the United States and Iran. A Congressional Research Service report said seven U.S. KC-135 Stratotankers were affected: one was lost in a March 12 crash over Iraq, while five were damaged on the ground at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. A seventh aircraft was also reported damaged.

Israel received its second KC-46 tanker on August 21 at Nevatim Air Base. The aircraft, designated “Gideon,” is the second of six ordered for the Israeli Air Force.

Add StratPost on Google

Add StratPost as a preferred source to see more of our defence and aerospace reporting in your Google Search results.