A new risk for Israel? The US will sell Qatar 4 aircraft for $4.5 billion

While Israel's defense establishment maintains an embargo on the sale of weapons and defense equipment to Qatar, the US administration has announced a new arms deal with the Persian Gulf state. The State Department in Washington confirmed that the administration has approved Qatar's purchase of four Boeing KC-46 aircraft, valued at $4.5 billion.

The deal includes provisions for spare parts, training, and maintenance for years to come, which significantly increased the total cost. This represents a preliminary stage before a final contract is signed, and no delivery dates have been set. Given the global demand for these aircraft, it is unlikely that Qatar will receive them before 2030.

The US is the largest operator of the KC-46, with approximately 105 in operational service and plans to purchase 283 in total. Japan currently operates six and has been approved to purchase nine more.

Recent conflicts have demonstrated the vital importance of aerial refueling in modern warfare, as it extends the flight distance and loitering time of fighter, transport, and intelligence aircraft. It is for this reason that approximately 70 American tankers are stationed in Israel, and the Israeli Air Force received its second KC-46 this week out of six ordered by the Ministry of Defense.

Qatar has never previously possessed a fleet of refueling aircraft. This acquisition will provide its F-15, Typhoon, and Rafale jets with the ability to strike targets far from its territory, representing a dramatic upgrade to its long-range strike capability. While the purchase may be intended as a deterrent against Iran, if realized, it will grant Qatar enhanced capabilities to strike targets, including those in Israel, which it did not possess until now.