In a significant development for US-Qatar relations, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that Qatar will soon build an air force facility at the Mountain Home Air Base in Idaho — a site that will host Qatari F-15 fighter jets and pilots.
The announcement came shortly after President Donald Trump signed an executive order pledging to defend Qatar following Israeli air strikes in Doha targeting Hamas leaders. Standing alongside Qatari Defence Minister Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Hegseth said at the Pentagon, “We’re signing a letter of acceptance to build a Qatari Emiri Air Force facility at the Mountain Home Air Base in Idaho. The location will host a contingent of Qatari F-15s and pilots to enhance our combined training, as well as increase lethality and interoperability.”
“This is another example of our partnership,” Hegseth continued, reaffirming the United States’ commitment to Qatar’s security and cooperation.
Currently, Mountain Home Air Base also houses a Singaporean fighter jet squadron, reflecting its strategic role in fostering international defense collaboration.
Acknowledging Qatar’s diplomatic influence, Hegseth thanked the Gulf state for its mediation in achieving a truce and prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas, as well as its efforts in securing the release of a US citizen from Afghanistan.
In response, Sheikh Saoud praised the “strong, enduring partnership” between the two nations, highlighting the depth of their defense ties. The Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar remains the largest US military installation in the Middle East, underscoring the country’s pivotal role in regional security.
However, the new Idaho facility sparked mixed reactions online. Some commentators questioned the political implications, citing Qatar’s controversial reputation, while others noted that the plan had originated under the previous Biden administration. In response to criticism, Hegseth clarified that Qatar “will not have their own base in the United States” but will operate within existing US-controlled infrastructure.
Behind the headlines lies a broader truth — diplomacy, defense, and dialogue often intersect in unexpected ways. While politics may divide opinions, partnerships like these reflect a shared global reality: cooperation remains the cornerstone of stability.
