[U.S. Decides to Approve $4.5 Billion Arms Sale to Qatar] Golden Finance reported on August 21 that the U.S. State Department announced on August 20 its decision to approve an arms sale plan to Qatar, which includes aerial refueling aircraft and related equipment, with an estimated total value of up to $4.5 billion. In a statement, the State Department noted that Qatar has requested to purchase up to four KC-46A aerial refueling aircraft, along with engines, radar warning receivers, infrared countermeasure systems, and other related components and services. The statement emphasized that this arms sale will help enhance the security capabilities of "U.S. strategic regional partners," thereby supporting U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives. It will also strengthen Qatar's defense capabilities and its ability to coordinate operations with U.S. and allied forces, solidifying Qatar's strategic role in regional security. The KC-46A is the latest aerial refueling aircraft equipped by the U.S. Air Force, developed by Boeing based on the Boeing 767 airframe. The first aircraft was delivered to the U.S. Air Force in January 2019. According to Boeing, in addition to aerial refueling support, the KC-46A is equipped with operational capabilities and data transmission functions required for multi-mission refueling aircraft. (CCTV News)