Qatar will become the latest country to buy the Boeing C-17 Globemaster cargo aircraft, according to a program source. Commenting earlier on the sale, Bruce Lemkin, deputy undersecretary of the U.S. Air Force for international affairs, wouldn’t identify the purchaser but said the order would be for two aircraft, with an option for two more. Meanwhile, in Washington, one proposal for even more C-17s was rebuffed by the Pentagon’s acquisition chief, John Young.

Boeing will propose that Japan help to develop an advanced version of the F-15E or F/A-18E, opening a way for the country to hone its combat aircraft skills and for the U.S. company to prolong the competitiveness of its product range. A senior Pentagon official, meanwhile, specifically endorses the F-15E Eagle as a suitable aircraft for Japan to buy while it awaits the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. One advantage is that the country could build the Eagle domestically, he says, holding out a second temptation for Japanese industry.

Chengdu Aircraft may institute limited measures to reduce radar reflections from its FC-1 export fighter as the Chinese air force considers introducing the type into home service. The initial version will finish development late this year or early next year, according to Catic, China’s state company responsible for international sales of the aircraft, which Pakistan has helped to develop and will co-produce.