Qatar to Establish Air Force Base in Idaho

Mon Oct 20 2025 19:43:36 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a significant move, Qatar is set to build a new air force training facility at Mountain Home Airbase in Idaho, focusing on F-15 fighter jet training for its pilots. The agreement marks continued collaboration between the US and Qatar.

The US has finalized an agreement that will see Qatar construct an air force facility at Mountain Home Airbase in Idaho. This base will serve as a training ground for Qatari pilots on F-15 jets. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth praised the partnership during a meeting with Qatari counterpart Saoud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, emphasizing mutual security efforts and collaboration in regional conflicts.

The US has finalised an agreement that will allow Qatar to build an air force facility in Idaho, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced.

He said the facility - where pilots from the Gulf state would be trained to fly F-15 fighter jets - would be established at the Mountain Home Airbase in the north-western US state.

It's just another example of our partnership, Hegseth said during a meeting with his Qatari counterpart, Saoud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, at the Pentagon on Friday.

Hegseth also praised Qatar for playing a substantial role in efforts led by President Donald Trump to secure a Gaza ceasefire and hostage return deal.

Qatar - along with Egypt and Turkey - has been an active mediator during months of indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

On Friday, Hegseth said he was proud that today we're signing a letter of acceptance to build a Qatari Emiri Air Force Facility at the Mountain Home Airbase in Idaho. He highlighted that the location will host a contingent of Qatari F-15s and pilots and enhance combined training efforts.

Last month, President Trump signed an executive order pledging to use all measures, including the US military, to defend Qatar, an agreement that mirrors aspects of the NATO alliance.

Qatar is home to the al-Udeid Airbase, the largest US military facility in the Middle East, which has recently faced tensions amid regional conflicts.