United States (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Qatar will build a new air force facility at Mountain Home Air Base in Idaho to host Qatari F-15 fighter jets and pilots. The facility aims to enhance joint training, lethality, and interoperability between the Qatari and U.S. air forces.
Announcement of Qatar’s new air force facility in Idaho
As reported by Katie Rogers of Time, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made the announcement on October 10, 2025, at the Pentagon during a ceremony with Qatar’s Minister of Defense Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Hegseth stated that signing a letter of acceptance marked the final step towards constructing this new Qatari Emiri Air Force facility at Mountain Home Air Base in southwestern Idaho.
Purpose of the new facility and its location
The Idaho air base will accommodate a contingent of Qatari F-15 fighter jets and their pilots for training. The goal is to improve combined training, increase operational lethality, and promote interoperability between the two air forces. Mountain Home hosts a longstanding U.S. Air Force presence and already hosts Singapore’s air force training contingent.
Significance of the U.S.-Qatar defense partnership
Hegseth praised Qatar’s role in helping mediate the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, calling the agreement to build the air force facility “another example of our partnership” and underscoring the strategic cooperation between the two nations. He commended Qatar for being a “core part” of historic peace efforts in Gaza facilitated by former President Donald Trump.
Details about the F-15 aircraft and training
Qatari pilots will train at the facility to operate the F-15 jets, part of a 2017 deal worth $12 billion that included 36 F-15s, weapons systems, U.S.-based training, and maintenance support. The exact number of aircraft and timelines for full operational capability at the Idaho facility were not disclosed by officials.
Statements from Qatari Defense Minister
Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani echoed the positive tone, describing the peace deal in Gaza as a “historic achievement” made possible through collaborative efforts. He expressed strong commitment to the strengthened defense relationship with the U.S., valuing mutual trust and communication.
Broader context of U.S. military cooperation with allies
While the U.S. does not host foreign bases officially, it allows allied nations’ military presences for training and cooperative exercises. Singapore, for example, maintains a similar arrangement at Mountain Home Air Base. Qatar’s new facility reinforces increasing cooperation between the U.S. and Gulf allies to counter regional threats and enhance defence capabilities.
Political and strategic implications
The announcement comes amid escalating U.S. commitment to Gulf security, highlighted by President Trump’s recent executive order designating any attack on Qatar as a threat to U.S. security. This facility strengthens indirect U.S. military presence in the region and signals deeper collaborative defense ties.
Community and local response
Mountain Home Air Base, located in rural Idaho, hosts hundreds of U.S. Air Force personnel and is now preparing to accommodate Qatari forces. Local officials have welcomed the announcement, viewing it as a boost to regional economic activity and international strategic importance.
Summary and future outlook
The finalized agreement and letter of acceptance mark a new chapter for U.S.-Qatar military collaboration. The Idaho facility will train Qatari pilots on advanced fighter jets, promote interoperability, and uphold shared security interests in the face of evolving global challenges. Officials expect work on the facility to begin soon, with operational status to follow in coming years.
