SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

This 36(b) arms sales notification is published to fulfill the requirements of section 155 of Public Law 104-164 dated July 21, 1996. The following is a copy of the attached Transmittal 26-80, Policy Justification, and Sensitivity of Technology.

Transmittal No. 26-80

Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended

(i) Prospective Purchaser: Government of Qatar

(ii) Total Estimated Value:

Funding Source: National Funds

(iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or Services under Consideration for Purchase:

Major Defense Equipment (MDE):

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 for Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) systems (12 installed, 3 spares)

Eight (8) LAIRCM system processor replacements (4 installed, 4 spares)

Non-MDE:

The following non-MDE 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.

(iv) Implementing Agency: Air Force QA-D-SAD

(v) Prior Related Cases, if any: None

(vi) Sales Commission, Fee, etc., Paid, Offered, or Agreed to be Paid: None known at this time

(vii) Sensitivity of Technology Contained in the Defense Article or Defense Services Proposed to be Sold: See Attached Annex

(viii) Date Report Delivered to Congress: August 18, 2026 ( printed page 60112)

*as defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Export Control Act.

POLICY JUSTIFICATION

Qatar—KC-46A Aerial Refueling Aircraft

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. The estimated total cost is $4.50 billion.

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, VA; Pratt & Whitney Military Engines, located in East Hartford, CT; RTX Corporation, located in Arlington, VA; and Northrop Grumman Corporation, located in Rolling Meadows, IL. 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.

Transmittal No. 26-80

Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act

Annex

Item No. vii

(vii) Sensitivity of Technology:

1. The KC-46A is a military aerial refueling and strategic military transport aircraft. The KC-46A can refuel most fixed-wing, receiver-capable aircraft. It is equipped with a refueling boom driven by a fly-by-wire control system and is capable of fuel offload rates required for large aircraft. Its hose and drogue system adds additional mission capability that is independently operable from the refueling boom system. The KC-46A can accommodate a mixed load of passengers, aeromedical evacuation, and cargo capabilities. Two high-bypass turbofans power the KC-46A to take off at gross weights of up to 415,000 pounds. Depending on the fuel storage configuration, the aircraft can carry a palletized load of up to 65,000 pounds of cargo. The KC-46A is also equipped with self-protection, defensive, and communication features making it more survivable in a contested environment.

2. The AN/AAQ-24(V)N Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure (LAIRCM) system is a self-contained, directed-energy countermeasures system designed to protect aircraft from infrared-guided surface-to-air missiles. The LAIRCM system features digital technology micro-miniature solid-state electronics. The system operates in all conditions, detecting incoming missiles and jamming infrared-seeker equipped missiles with aimed bursts of laser energy. The LAIRCM system consists of multiple infrared missile warning sensors, the Guardian Laser Transmitter Assembly (GLTA) with Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module capability, a LAIRCM System Processor Replacement (LSPR), a Control Interface Unit Replacement (CIUR), and a classified memory card User Data Module (UDM).

a. LAIRCM's infrared missile warning sensors detect and declare threat missiles. The sensors are mounted on the aircraft exterior to provide omni-directional protection. The sensors detect the rocket plume of missiles and send appropriate data signals to the LSPR for processing.

b. The GLTA is a laser transmitter pointer/tracker subsystem designed to track the inbound threat missile and point the laser jam source at the missile's seeker. The GLTA automatically deploys the countermeasure.

c. The LSPR analyzes the data from each missile warning sensor and automatically deploys the appropriate countermeasure via the GLTA. The LSPR contains built-in-test circuitry.

d. The CIUR displays the incoming threat for the pilot to take appropriate action. The CIUR also provides operator interface to program the LAIRCM system to initiate built-in-test, to display system status, and to provide the crew with bearing to threat missile launch.

e. The UDM card contains the laser jam codes and is loaded into the LSPR prior to flight. When not in use, the Classified Memory Card UDM is removed from the LSPR and put in secure storage.

3. The AN/APQ-10 simple key loader is a handheld device used for securely receiving, storing, and transferring data between compatible cryptographic and communications equipment.

4. The KIV-77 is a cryptographic applique for Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) and can be loaded with Mode 5 classified elements.

5. The KY-100M is a cryptographic-modernized lightweight terminal for secure voice and data communication. The KY-100M provides wideband/narrowband half-duplex communication. Operating in tactical ground, marine, and airborne applications, the KY-100M enables secure communication with a broad range of radio and satellite equipment.

6. The AN/APX-119 is an IFF transponder that provides military aircraft with a secure combat identification capability to help reduce ( printed page 60113) fratricide and enhance battlespace awareness while providing safe access to civilian airspace.

7. The highest level of classification of defense articles, components, and services included in this potential sale is SECRET.

8. If a technologically advanced adversary were to obtain knowledge of the specific hardware and software elements, the information could be used to develop countermeasures that might reduce system effectiveness or be used in the development of a system with similar or advanced capabilities.

9. A determination has been made that Qatar can provide substantially the same degree of protection for the sensitive technology being released as the U.S. Government. This sale is necessary in furtherance of the U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives outlined in the Policy Justification.

10. All defense articles and services listed in this transmittal have been authorized for release and export to the Government of Qatar.

91 FR 60111