Qatar Set to Construct New Air Force Facility in Idaho: What This Means for US-Qatar Relations

On Friday, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that Qatar will set up an Air Force facility at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. This site will train Qatari F-15 fighter pilots alongside U.S. troops.

Hegseth highlighted that this collaboration will boost their training, making them more effective together. He stated, “It’s just another example of our partnership, and you can count on us,” while meeting with Qatari Defense Minister Saoud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani at the Pentagon.

This announcement comes shortly after an executive order from Trump that committed the U.S. to Qatar’s security, illustrating the significance of their relationship. Although tensions arose when Israel bombed areas in Qatar related to Hamas operatives, the groundwork for this facility had been laid over several years, even before the current administration.

A U.S. official remarked that similar agreements have been made with other nations like Germany and Singapore, emphasizing that this is part of a long-standing routine in the Air Force.

Hegseth stressed on social media that while the U.S. military has a strong relationship with Qatar, there will not be a Qatari-owned base in the U.S.

However, not everyone supports this decision. Laura Loomer, a close ally of Trump, has publicly criticized the agreement on social media, calling it “outrageous” and a “betrayal.”

Hegseth praised Qatar for its role in peace talks between Israel and Hamas and acknowledged its support when the U.S. targeted Iranian nuclear sites. Interestingly, Qatar is home to the largest U.S. military base in the region, Al-Udeid.

The plan for the Qatari facility has been evolving for years. A 2022 report from Mountain Home assessed environmental impacts related to the Qatari squadron’s presence. This assessment laid the groundwork for training operations, which are scheduled to begin in early Fiscal Year 2024.

The facility will accommodate around 300 personnel from both the Qatari and U.S. Air Forces. It includes facilities for pilot training, scheduling, and other operations. Funding for these facilities often comes from foreign military sales.

The final impact report outlines plans for 12 F-15QA aircraft and necessary infrastructure modifications, with an initial timeline of ten years and possible extensions.

In a positive note, al Thani stated that this agreement would enhance joint readiness and advance their shared defense aims, highlighting a commitment to deepen their strategic partnership for lasting peace and security.

For more on the growing U.S.-Qatar partnership, you can explore additional sources like [CNN](https://www.cnn.com) and [Mountain Home Air Force Base](https://www.mountainhome.af.mil).

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