The US State Department has approved a sale of four KC-46As to Japan, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced Wednesday. The estimated $1.9 billion deal would include a spare Pratt & Whitney PW4062 engine, according to a news release. Each aircraft would include the GPS and defensive systems. The release notes the aircraft would allow the Pacific nation to participate in regional security operations, but not affect the basic military balance in the region. Japan is also buying the F-35A, and the first Japanese jet, called the AX-1, took its maiden flight Aug. 24. (See also: It’s Not a Sanctuary Anymore.)
Three of four congressional committees with influence over defense policy have voted to change the official name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War—but final approval of the Pentagon rebrand is months away and not yet assured.