The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a potential foreign military sale of F-15QA aircraft to Qatar for $21.1bn and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet to Kuwait for $10.1bn.

Under the sale, the Government of Qatar seeks to receive 72 F-15QA multi-role fighter aircraft and associated weapons package, while Kuwait has requested for 32 F/A-18Es, with F414-GE-400 engines; in addition to eight F/A-18Fs with F414-GE-400 engines.

Qatar also requested for continental US-based lead-in-fighter-training for the F-15QA, associated ground support, training materials, mission-critical resources and maintenance support equipment

In addition, the county asked for procurement for various weapon support and test equipment spares, technical publications, personnel training, as well as simulators and other training equipment.

It will also receive US Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and programme support.

"The procurement will improve both countries' capability to meet current and future enemy air-to-air and air-to-ground threats."

The sale to Kuwait includes 41 AN/APG-79 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars; 44 M61A2 20mm gun systems; 45 AN/ALR-67(V)3 radar warning receivers; 240 LAU-127E/A guided missile launchers, and 45 AN/ALE-47 airborne countermeasures dispenser systems.

Kuwait also requested for ARC-210 radio (aircraft), identification friend or foe (IFF) systems, as well as aircraft spares, aircraft armament equipment (AAE), and other related systems.

The procurement will improve both countries' capability to meet current and future enemy air-to-air and air-to-ground threats.

Boeing will serve as prime contractor for the sale to Qatar, and Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon and General Electric are the prime contractors for the sale to Kuwait.

Image: F/A-18F Super Hornet (left) and an F/A-18A Hornet (right). Photo: courtesy of Robert Frola.