US to host Qatari F-15 jets, new air force facility announced in Idaho

Hegseth says US will host Qatari air force facility in Idaho

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Friday that the United States will host a new Qatari air force facility at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, where Qatari pilots will train to fly F-15 fighter jets. The facility is expected to strengthen joint training, improve operational interoperability, and enhance overall combat readiness between the two nations.

“Location will be host to a contingent of Qatari F-15s and pilots to enhance our combined training, increase lethality, interoperability,” Hegseth said. “It’s just another example of our partnership.”

Mountain Home Air Force Base, situated in Elmore County in southwestern Idaho, already hosts Singapore’s F-15SG fighter jets. The new agreement will allow the Qatari Emiri Air Force to operate alongside US forces, facilitating joint exercises and tactical training.

Hegseth announced a special arrival ceremony at the Pentagon for Qatar’s Minister of Defense, Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. “Today, we’re announcing a letter of acceptance in building a Qatari Emiri Air Force facility at the Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho,” he said.

The Pentagon highlighted Qatar’s role in the recent Gaza peace deal, calling the nation a “core part” of the diplomatic efforts. Hegseth noted, "You have been a core part of what has unfolded in Gaza, a historic moment. We're grateful for the strong partnership that we have, the way you support our troops at Al Udeid, Your Excellency, the line of communication we've had together."

Minister Al Thani praised the peace deal as a “historic achievement,” emphasizing that it reflects the success of international cooperation.

The agreement, brokered with the assistance of Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, facilitated a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, including the release of hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from most of Gaza. Hegseth added, “No one other than President Trump could have achieved the peace—what we believe will be a lasting peace—in Gaza."