Qatar to Build Air Force Facility at U.S. Base in Idaho, Hegseth Announces

Washington, D.C. — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Friday that the Qatari Emiri Air Force will build a new training facility at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, marking another deepening of military ties between the United States and UAE.

The agreement was finalized during a joint appearance at the Pentagon between Hegseth and Minister of Defense Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. The new facility will allow Qatari pilots to train alongside U.S. Air Force personnel, strengthening coordination and joint combat readiness between the two nations.

“I’m proud that today we’re signing a letter of acceptance to build a Qatari Emiri Air Force facility at the Mountain Home Air Base in Idaho,” Hegseth said.
“The location will host a contingent of Qatari F-15s and pilots to enhance our combined training, increase lethality, and improve interoperability. It’s another example of our growing partnership.”

A Strategic Partnership on U.S. Soil

While the United States does not host foreign military bases, it does allow some allied nations to maintain a training presence on U.S. soil. Singapore’s Air Force, for instance, also trains at Mountain Home. The new facility is expected to function in a similar capacity — as a joint training environment rather than an independent foreign base.

A photo released by Reuters showed Hegseth meeting Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani at the Pentagon as the two officials formalized the agreement.

Trump Administration’s Close Ties

The announcement comes amid what analysts describe as a closer-than-ever relationship between the Trump administration and the Qatari government. Just last month, President Trump signed an executive order pledging to “assure the security of the State of Qatar.”

The move came in the wake of Israel’s military strike on Doha, Qatar’s capital city. The order states that “any armed attack on the territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure of the State shall be regarded as a threat to the peace and security of the United States .

This declaration effectively extended a security guarantee, marking a new phase in U.S relations.

Qatar’s Role in Middle East Peace Efforts

Hegseth praised for its “substantial” contribution to the Israel-Hamas peace deal, noting that the Gulf state played a key diplomatic role in brokering the truce. Other top U.S. officials have also publicly acknowledged its influence in the negotiations. growing role in regional diplomacy has made it a valuable U.S. partner, particularly as Washington seeks stability in the Middle East while balancing its alliances with Israel and Gulf Arab states.

Controversy Over Trump’s Gifted Jet

Close cooperation has not been without controversy. President Trump’s decision to accept a luxury Boeing 747-8 jetliner from here — which is being outfitted to serve as Air Force One — has raised questions about ethics and national security.

Critics argue that accepting such an expensive gift from a foreign government could blur lines of accountability and create potential conflicts of interest. The White House has maintained that the arrangement is fully transparent and compliant with U.S. law.

What’s Next for the Idaho Base

Mountain Home Air Force Base, located in southwestern Idaho, is already home to the 366th Fighter Wing and regularly hosts multinational training exercises. The addition of Qatari aircraft and personnel will likely boost local economic activity while expanding the base’s role as a hub for international defense cooperation.

Officials did not specify when construction on the new facility would begin, but planning and infrastructure development are expected to start in the coming months.

Related Coverage:

• U.S. strengthens defense cooperation with Gulf allies
• Trump’s executive order on Qatar’s security explained
• Mountain Home Air Force Base history and mission