January 16, 2026
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Published by Aeyan Raza
October 11, 2025
In a significant move that underscores growing defense ties, the United States has finalized an agreement allowing Qatar to establish an air force facility on American soil, marking a rare and strategic expansion of military cooperation between the two allies.
The announcement was made by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth following a meeting with Qatari Defence Minister Saoud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani at the Pentagon on Friday. Under the agreement, the Qatari Emiri Air Force will set up a dedicated facility at Mountain Home Airbase in northwestern Idaho.
According to US officials, the new facility will host Qatari F-15 fighter jets and function primarily as a training center for Qatari pilots. The base is expected to focus on advanced flight training, joint exercises, and operational coordination with the US Air Force.
While the Pentagon has not released details about the number of aircraft involved or the timeline for operations, Defence Secretary Hegseth described the project as “another example of our strong partnership.” He said the facility will enhance joint combat readiness and interoperability, allowing both air forces to operate more effectively together.
During the meeting, Hegseth also praised Qatar’s growing diplomatic role in the Middle East. He highlighted Doha’s “substantial role” in peace mediation, particularly its involvement in brokering a Gaza ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement, alongside Egypt and Turkey.
The announcement comes just weeks after President Donald Trump signed an executive order pledging to defend Qatar using “all necessary measures,” including potential US military intervention. The order effectively elevates Qatar’s security status, creating a NATO-style defense understanding between Washington and Doha.
The timing of the agreement is notable, as tensions across the Middle East continue to rise. In September, Israeli airstrikes targeting Hamas leaders in Doha killed several Hamas members and a Qatari security official, triggering sharp reactions from Qatar and its allies.
Qatar already plays a central role in US military operations in the region. It hosts Al-Udeid Air Base, the largest US military base in the Middle East and the command hub for American air missions across the region. Earlier this year, the base was targeted by Iranian missile strikes following US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, highlighting the region’s growing volatility.
With the establishment of the Idaho training base, both nations aim to deepen air defense cooperation and ensure long-term strategic stability. The move also reflects Qatar’s rising importance as a trusted US ally and a key diplomatic player in Middle Eastern affairs.
