Qatar Air Force could acquire four Boeing KC-46A Pegasus aircraft

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The United States Government has approved the potential sale of new Boeing KC-46A Pegasus aerial refuelling aircraft to equip the Qatar Air Force. The deal, recently notified by the State Department to the US Congress, falls under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme and is valued at US$ 4.5 billion.

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Qatar Air Force aerial refuelling requirements

Although no further details were provided, Qatar’s decision appears to be driven by the need to reinforce its transport aviation and broaden its air-to-air refuelling capability, which is currently centred on C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.

Qatar Air Force combat aviation also comprises a substantial fleet of Dassault Rafale F3R, Eurofighter Typhoon and powerful F-15QA Advanced Eagle fighters, each of which can be refuelled in flight through different systems.

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Boeing KC-46A Pegasus compatibility with Qatar’s fighters

The Eurofighter and Rafale both use the probe-and-drogue system, which is compatible with the aforementioned C-130J. The F-15QAs, meanwhile, can use the rigid boom system fitted to aircraft such as the KC-135 and KC-46A. This is therefore presumed to be the basis for Qatar’s requirement for Boeing’s new refuelling aircraft.

According to the announced package, the sale would include four (4) KC-46A aircraft, their associated support systems and equipment, as well as a logistics and training package, with the stated value of US$ 4.5 billion.

The State Department stated that “...the proposed sale will improve Qatar’s capability to meet current and future threats by strengthening its defence capabilities and interoperability with United States and other allied forces, while also reinforcing Qatar’s strategic role in regional security”.

Qatar could become a new KC-46A operator

Finally, should the transaction be confirmed through the signing of the relevant agreements and contracts, Qatar would join the United States, currently the leading operator, Japan and Israel as a new Boeing KC-46A Pegasus operator. The aircraft is being introduced to replace KC-135s and other tanker models based on the older Boeing 707.

Photographs used for illustrative purposes.