The U.S. Department of State has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Qatar for purchase of KC-46A Aerial Refueling Aircraft and related equipment. The estimated total cost is $4.50 billion, the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs said in a statement.
The Government of Qatar has requested to buy up to four (4) KC-46A aircraft; eight (8) PW4062 turbofan engines (4 installed, 4 spares); ten (10) AN/ALR-69A radar warning receivers (4 installed, 6 spares); fifteen (15) Guardian Laser Transmitter Assemblies (GTLA) for Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure (LAIRCM) systems (12 installed, 3 spares); and eight (8) LAIRCM system processor replacements.
The following non-major defense equipment items will also be included: missile warning sensors; cartridge actuated devices and propellent actuated devices; control interface units; user data module cards; electronic warfare database support; KIV-77 crypto module; KY-100M crypto terminals; AN/PYQ-10 simple key loaders; AN/APX-119 Identification Friend or Foe transponder; precision navigation; Computer Program Identification Numbers; integration and test support and equipment; aircraft components, parts, and accessories; support and support equipment; spare parts, consumables and accessories, and repair and return support; training aids, devices, and spare parts; major and minor modifications and maintenance support; instruments and lab equipment; classified and unclassified software delivery and support; unclassified publications and technical documentation; maps, publications, and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; clothing, textiles, and individual equipment; trucks and transportation vehicles; facilities and construction support; jet fuel; transportation and airlift support; warranties; site surveys; U.S. Government and contractor engineering; technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic regional partner that has been and continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.
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. Qatar will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractors will be The Boeing Corporation, located in Arlington, Virginia; Pratt & Whitney Military Engines, located in East Hartford, Connecticut; RTX Corporation, located in Arlington, Virginia; and Northrop Grumman Corporation, located in Rolling Meadows, Illinois.
At this time, the U.S. Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.
Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Qatar.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.
Source: Political-Military Affairs; Photo© U.S. Air Force: KC-46A Aircraft
