The United States and Qatar have agreed to establish a Qatari air force facility at Mountain Home Air Base in Idaho. The base will host a contingent of Qatari F-15 fighter jets and pilots, aimed at enhancing joint training, interoperability, and combat readiness.
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said the move provides Qatar with strategic flexibility to operate and sustain advanced aircraft on US soil. The agreement builds on a previous deal and reinforces US-Qatar security ties, particularly following recent regional tensions.
The announcement follows a $12 billion sale of F-15QA aircraft to Qatar in 2017, with Qatari personnel expected to arrive soon. Mountain Home Air Base already hosts about 5,100 US troops and has been used by Singapore’s air force for F-15 operations since 2009.
Qatar also hosts the US Al Udeid Air Base, the forward headquarters of US Central Command, which played a key role in operations against ISIS. Both nations view the expansion of joint facilities as a way to strengthen alliances and maintain regional stability.