U.S. to Host Qatar Air Force Facility in Idaho

In a recent announcement, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth revealed plans for the U.S. to host a facility for the Qatar Emiri Air Force at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. Also, the U.S. Air Force will engage in training exercises with their Qatari counterparts.

This announcement occurred during a ceremonial welcome for Qatari Defense Minister Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Hegseth stated, “Today, we are announcing a letter of acceptance to build the Qatar Emiri Air Force Facility at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho.”

The new facility is set to accommodate Qatari F-15 fighter jets and pilots, enabling joint military training operations to boost interoperability and combat readiness.

He elaborated, “A contingent of Qatari F-15s and pilots will be sent to this location to enhance joint training and increase lethality and interoperability. This is just one example of our partnership.”

Hegseth also commended Qatar’s significant role in the recent Gaza peace agreement, which he believes underscores the strength of U.S.-Qatari ties. “Your Excellency has been at the heart of the historic moment unfolding in Gaza. We are grateful for our strong partnership, your support to our forces in Al-Udeyed, and the lines of communication that we’ve built together,” he remarked, referencing the U.S. military base in Qatar.

Al-Thani acknowledged the collaborative efforts between the U.S. and Arab nations that contributed to the ceasefire in Gaza, expressing appreciation for the close partnership that has developed. He stated, “We also highly value the close cooperation between Doha and Washington that led to the signing of the Gaza Peace Plan on October 8. This historic achievement highlights what can be done when our two countries work together with courage and trust among other partners such as Egypt and Turkey.”

Furthermore, he welcomed the signing of letters of acceptance for the establishment of the Qatar Emiri Air Facility at Mountain Home Air Force Base, noting that these steps would enhance joint readiness and mutual defense goals. “We will continue to deepen our strategic partnership in pursuit of lasting peace and stability,” he added.

This announcement comes in the wake of a recent executive order from President Donald Trump, which pledged to protect Qatar following airstrikes from Israel that targeted Hamas leaders in Doha, an incident that resulted in several fatalities, including a Qatari security official.

Trump’s executive order emphasized that the U.S. would take all lawful measures to safeguard the interests of both the United States and Qatar, aiming to restore peace and stability in the region.