WASHINGTON — The United States will host a Qatari Emiri Air Force facility at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho under a new defense cooperation agreement, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Friday.
Speaking alongside Qatari Minister of Defense Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani at the Pentagon, Hegseth said the facility will allow Qatari pilots to train alongside American military personnel in a joint environment designed to strengthen combat readiness and interoperability.
“This partnership represents a long term commitment to deepening our security cooperation,” Hegseth said. “Hosting a contingent of Qatari F-15s and pilots will enhance combined training, improve interoperability, and strengthen our shared defense capabilities.”
The facility marks one of the largest Qatar And US defense training collaborations in North America and underscores the Gulf nation’s expanding role in U.S. military partnerships.
Qatar, a key non NATO ally, has steadily deepened defense ties with the United States over the past two decades. The Gulf state hosts Al Udeid Air Base, home to US Central Command’s forward headquarters and one of the largest American military installations in the Middle East.
The decision to establish a Qatari Air Force presence in Idaho follows similar cooperative programs with other US allies. Singapore, for instance, already operates F-15 fighter jets at Mountain Home Air Force Base as part of a long standing training exchange program.
A Pentagon spokesperson said the new facility is part of a broader effort to “build enduring partnerships that improve readiness and ensure regional stability.” The agreement comes amid ongoing US initiatives to modernize global training programs and expand defense collaboration with Middle Eastern partners.
Defense analysts say the move reflects Washington’s intent to diversify and globalize its defense training network. By basing Qatari aircraft and personnel in the United States, the Pentagon is also reinforcing Qatar’s position as a reliable partner in a volatile region.
Dr. Stephen Walsh, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the collaboration “shows that Washington trusts Doha as a capable partner with aligned security interests.”
“This is not just a training arrangement,” Walsh added. “It is part of a larger US strategy to integrate friendly air forces into a unified operational framework capable of responding to regional threats, whether in the Middle East or beyond.”
The Qatari Emiri Air Force operates a modern fleet that includes F-15QA fighter jets, which were developed in partnership with Boeing and tailored for Qatar’s defense requirements. The F-15QA is among the most advanced variants of the aircraft, capable of long range missions and advanced electronic warfare.
According to US defense data, Mountain Home Air Force Base currently supports about 4,500 active duty personnel. The addition of Qatari aircraft is expected to increase joint operations, simulation training hours, and cross-training opportunities for US and allied pilots.
In recent years, similar training programs involving foreign air forces have been used to promote interoperability. Singapore’s program in Idaho, for example, has been cited as a successful model for integrating foreign air units into US operations without compromising national security or base logistics.
Local officials in Idaho expressed optimism about the new agreement, citing potential economic and cultural benefits.
“Partnerships like these not only enhance global security but also bring jobs and investment to our communities,” said Boise Mayor Lauren McBride. “The arrival of Qatari personnel will strengthen our ties with international allies and showcase Idaho’s role in global defense collaboration.”
Residents near Mountain Home have also reacted positively, noting the region’s history of hosting foreign pilots.
“We’ve seen what the Singaporean air training program brought to the area more activity, more cultural exchange,” said Tom Richards, a local business owner. “Having Qatari pilots here will only expand that sense of global connection.”
Construction of the Qatari Air Force facility is expected to begin within the next year, pending final regulatory approvals. The site will include hangars, simulation centers, and residential accommodations for Qatari pilots and their families.
Hegseth emphasized that the collaboration “signals a new chapter in US Qatar defense cooperation” and will “set a standard for future multinational training facilities.”
Experts believe the initiative could lead to expanded joint exercises and technology sharing agreements in the coming years, particularly as both nations invest in next generation fighter systems and artificial intelligence based flight training.
The establishment of a Qatari Air Force facility in Idaho marks a significant milestone in US And Qatar defense relations. While the Pentagon has not disclosed the project’s cost or construction timeline, officials said the initiative underscores Washington’s long term commitment to security cooperation with its Gulf partners.
As both nations continue to align military strategies, the Idaho based facility is expected to serve as a cornerstone for joint readiness, interoperability, and trust reflecting an evolving defense landscape shaped by shared priorities and global collaboration.