U.S.-Qatar Agreement Brings Foreign Pilot Training to Idaho
A long-developing agreement between the United States and Qatar is set to bring military personnel from the Middle Eastern nation to Idaho’s Mountain Home Air Force Base for training on F-15 fighter jets. The move stems from a 2017 deal forged during President Donald Trump’s first term, in which Qatar agreed to purchase 36 modified F-15 aircraft in a $12 billion defense package that includes training and support services.
Although the deal was signed years ago, public knowledge of Qatar’s upcoming presence at the Idaho base only emerged recently, causing confusion and concern among local officials and residents.
Officials Caught Off Guard by Public Announcement
The announcement by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth drew criticism after it became clear that Idaho’s governor and congressional delegation were not notified in advance. Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho) expressed concern over the lack of communication, stating he had no prior knowledge of the Qatari training plans.
Hegseth later clarified that Qatar would not be establishing a base on U.S. soil. Instead, Qatari pilots and personnel will be temporarily hosted for training purposes by the 366th Fighter Wing. Vice President JD Vance described reports suggesting otherwise as “largely a fake story.”
Strategic Expansion at Mountain Home AFB
Mountain Home was selected due to its existing infrastructure and capacity to support the F-15 aircraft. The base currently hosts Singaporean pilots under a similar agreement and is one of only two U.S. locations equipped with compatible F-15 variants.
The U.S. Air Force has confirmed that new facilities will be constructed to support Qatar’s training operations, including maintenance hangars, storage buildings, and dormitories. All facilities will remain under the ownership and control of the U.S. military.
According to Air Force planning documents, up to 12 Qatari-owned F-15s will be stored on-site for the duration of the initial 10-year agreement, with the possibility of an extension through 2040. Approximately 169 Qatari military members and 131 additional U.S. personnel will be assigned to the program.
Local Housing and Foreign Land Ownership Concerns
The planned increase in personnel has raised questions about housing availability. While new on-base accommodations are part of the plan, off-base housing in Mountain Home, Elmore County, and Ada County may also be used.
However, a new Idaho state law enacted in July prohibits foreign governments from owning property in the state, particularly near military installations. The law targets nations designated as adversaries by the U.S. government, such as China and Russia. While Qatar is not listed among those, questions remain about their housing options should off-base expansion be necessary.
A Complex Relationship with Qatar
Despite past criticism of Qatar’s international activities, the country is now considered a key strategic partner in the Middle East. Defense officials cited Qatar’s role in recent peace negotiations in the region as evidence of its evolving relationship with the U.S.
The country has also contributed materially to U.S. defense operations, including donating a luxury jet intended for presidential use while the current Air Force One replacement faces delays.
Lawmakers Request Briefing
In response to the news, Idaho’s entire congressional delegation—Sens. Jim Risch and Mike Crapo, along with Reps. Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher—formally requested a full briefing from the Department of Defense to clarify the scope, timeline, and intentions behind the mission.
Construction on the new facilities is expected to be completed by 2030 or 2031, with Qatari pilot training set to begin shortly thereafter.
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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