Qatar to Build Training Facility in Idaho
A senior official from the Qatari embassy in the U.S. has provided important insights about a new training facility set to be constructed in Idaho. This facility aims to strengthen the alliance between Qatar and the United States.
There’s a lot of speculation circulating among some members of Congress about this facility. Secretary of the Army, Pete Hegseth, recently stated that the Qatar Emiri Air Force will have a training site at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho.
Hamad Mohamed Al-Mufta, deputy envoy at the Qatari embassy in Washington, clarified that, “This is not a Qatari base. Qatar will fully fund the construction of the training facility and barracks for the airmen stationed there. There will be no cost to U.S. taxpayers, and this investment will actually support the Idaho region and create jobs.”
In 2017, the U.S. and Qatar signed a substantial agreement worth $12 billion, related to F-15QA fighter jets. Hamad noted, “This is part of a broader package approved by Congress that brings U.S. foreign military sales to Qatar up to $21.1 billion. This deal has been in the works for years and mirrors existing plans with other international allies.” He added that this represents a continuous commitment to strong defense and collective capabilities.
Hegseth reaffirmed through social media that Qatar does not maintain bases in the U.S. “This is an important clarification,” he remarked, emphasizing the longstanding partnership between the two nations, particularly in connection with the F-15QA aircraft.
According to a senior Qatari official, this agreement entails a 10-year commitment to host Qatari fighter pilots at the Idaho base. Initial discussions under the Biden administration considered Michigan for the training facility, but it was ultimately decided that training would occur at Mountain Home Air Force Base.
Idaho’s elected officials, including Governor Brad Little and Senators Mike Crapo and James Risch, have expressed interest in understanding the specifics of this agreement. They wrote to Hegseth, requesting more information to keep their constituents informed and ensure effective communication regarding the mission.
Rep. Mike Simpson had initially praised the news, calling it a beneficial development for Mountain Home Air Force Base. He tweeted about the agreement, highlighting its potential to enhance training and strengthen partnerships with U.S. allies.
As more details regarding the agreement emerge, officials from Idaho aim to cooperate closely with the Air Force and Mountain Home leadership to achieve military readiness goals while ensuring the safety of both Idahoans and Americans. While the U.S. military base in Doha is deemed U.S. territory, the Idaho training facility remains under U.S. control and is not classified as Qatari territory.
