U.S. and Qatar Finalize Defense Agreement
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Friday that the Qatari Emiri Air Force will construct a new military facility at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, marking a significant step in U.S.-Qatari defense cooperation.
The agreement, signed alongside Qatari Minister of Defense Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani at the Pentagon, establishes a training partnership allowing Qatari pilots to train jointly with U.S. forces.
While the United States does not host foreign military bases, it does allow foreign partners to maintain facilities for training purposes. The Singaporean Air Force currently operates under a similar arrangement at the same Idaho base.
A Strengthened Strategic Partnership
Hegseth called the initiative “another example of our partnership,” emphasizing the mutual benefits of the collaboration. “The location will host a contingent of Qatari F-15s and pilots to enhance our combined training, increase lethality, and improve interoperability,” he said.
The move highlights the growing military relationship between Washington and Doha under the Trump administration.
Broader U.S.–Qatar Cooperation
The announcement follows President Donald Trump’s recent executive order assuring U.S. protection of Qatar’s sovereignty after Israel’s strike on Doha, the Qatari capital. The order states that any armed attack on Qatar’s territory or infrastructure “shall be regarded as a threat to the peace and security of the United States.”
Qatar also played what officials described as a “substantial” diplomatic role in the Israel–Hamas ceasefire negotiations, with U.S. leaders crediting Doha for helping mediate the agreement.
Controversy Over Presidential Aircraft
The administration’s relationship with Qatar has drawn attention in recent weeks following reports that President Trump accepted a custom Boeing 747-8 jetliner from Qatar to serve as a future Air Force One aircraft. Critics raised ethical and security concerns about the gift, though the White House said it aligns with existing defense and diplomatic agreements.
Mountain Home’s Expanding International Role
Mountain Home Air Force Base, located in southwest Idaho, has long served as a center for international aviation cooperation. With both Singaporean and now Qatari forces training there, it underscores Idaho’s growing importance in joint U.S.-allied military operations.
Defense officials said the construction timeline and details for the Qatari facility will be announced in the coming months.
Related Coverage
- Idaho News – https://idahonews.co/idaho-news-3/
- National News – https://idahonews.co/national-news/
- Global News – https://idahonews.co/global-news/
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