US set to approve sales of Boeing fighters to Qatar, Kuwait, sources say
The United States is poised to sell $7 billion worth of Boeing Co fighter jets to Qatar and Kuwait after years of delays, and it may start notifying U.S. lawmakers as early as next week, four U.S.- and Gulf-based sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
US officials have criticised Qatar for alleged ties to armed Islamist groups. The sales have been pending for more than two years, amid concerns raised by Israel, considered Washington's closest Middle East ally, that equipment sent to Gulf Arab states would be used against it.
Boeing said it was encouraged by continued progress and hoped to see movement on the two big arms sales soon. The State Department said it could not comment on any ongoing government-to-government arms sales.
