Secretary of War Pete Hegseth revealed on Friday that the United States will establish a Qatari Emiri air force facility at Mountain Home Airbase in Idaho. The announcement was made alongside Qatari Minister of Defense Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
Hegseth stated, “I’m also 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.” The site will house Qatari F-15 fighter jets and pilots, aimed at “enhancing our combined training, increasing lethality, interoperability,” he said.
The project underscores the U.S.-Qatari defense partnership, with Hegseth praising Qatar’s involvement in recent diplomatic efforts. He highlighted the Gaza peace deal as a “historic moment” and acknowledged Qatar’s support for U.S. troops at Al Udeid.
Al Thani echoed these sentiments, calling the Gaza agreement a “historic achievement” that exemplifies what can be accomplished through international collaboration.
The facility expansion follows President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of an Israeli-Hamas cease-fire, with Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey credited as mediators. The first phase of the peace plan includes hostage releases and Israeli troop withdrawals from Gaza.
Mountain Home Air Force Base already hosts Singapore’s F-15SG fighter jets, according to The Hill. Al Thani expressed gratitude for the partnership, stating, “We further welcome today’s signing of the letter of acceptance establishing a Qatari Emiri air force facility at Mountain Home Air Base in Idaho.”
A recent executive order by Trump pledged U.S. support for Qatar’s security after Israel’s military strike in Doha, declaring any attack on Qatar as a threat to U.S. interests. Qatar’s role in the peace deal was reiterated by Hegseth and other administration officials.
