Qatar cleared to buy $4.5 billion in Boeing KC-46A tankers

The US State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Qatar of up to four Boeing KC-46A aerial refueling aircraft plus engines and defensive systems, valued at about $4.5 billion. Principal contractors are Boeing, Pratt and Whitney Military Engines, RTX and Northrop Grumman; the notification authorizes but does not finalize the sale, since Qatar has not yet signed a firm order.