Boeing has received a green light from the U.S. State Department clearing the way for a long-awaited sales of fighter aircraft to Qatar and Kuwait. The potential deals, which have yet to be confirmed, involve up to 72 F-15QA aircraft for Qatar, along with 32 F/A-18 E/F Super Hornets for Kuwait.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) recently gave the all-clear for the possible sale of the F-15QAs and associated weapons, along with a package of training and support services. The DSCA estimated the total programme value at $21.1bn. The Agency also cleared the Super Hornet sale to Kuwait, a deal estimated to be worth $10.1bn. The two deals must now be approved by Congress.

Last year, Qatar announced an order for 24 Rafales from Dassault Aviation. It has also ordered two A330 MRTT in-flight refuelling aircraft from Airbus Defence & Space.

The Eurofighter Typhoon is still hoping to get a share of the Qatar order, alongside the F-15. Kuwait ordered 28 Typhoons in April.