WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Trump administration has approved a possible sale of KC-46A aerial refueling aircraft and related equipment to Qatar for an estimated 4.5 billion U.S. dollars, the U.S. State Department said Thursday in a statement.

Qatar has requested to purchase up to four KC-46A aircraft; eight PW4062 turbofan engines, including four spares, radar warning receivers, infrared countermeasure systems, and other equipment and support services, according to the statement.

"Qatar will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces," the statement read.

It said that the proposed sale "will not alter the basic military balance in the region."