US approves potential sale of aerial refueling aircraft to Japan

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US State Department approved the possible sale of KC-46A aerial refueling aircraft to Japan for an estimated cost of $4.1 billion, the Pentagon said on Friday.

"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region," it said in a statement.

The proposed sale will improve Japan’s aerial refueling capability and passenger transport operations, which will contribute to enhanced deterrence of current and future threats in the region.

The principal contractors would be Boeing, RTX and Northrop Grumman.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on Friday.