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6d ago

U.S. Approves Qatari Air Force Training Facility at Mountain Home AFB

Officials stress it is a U.S.-run training site with an initial 10-year commitment to improve interoperability.

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth salutes during a welcome ceremony for Qatar Minister of Defense Sheikh Saoud Al Thani, left, at the Pentagon, Friday, Oct. 10, 2025 in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)
Qatari Defense Minister Sheikh Saoud Al Thani (L) stands with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth during a welcoming ceremony at the Pentagon on October 10, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. Hegseth announced today that the Pentagon has agreed to host a new Qatari Emeri air force facility at the Mountain Home Airbase in Idaho.
Qatari Defense Minister Sheikh Saoud Al Thani (L) signs an agreement with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon on October 10, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. The Pentagon has reportedly agreed to host a new Qatari Emeri air force facility at the Mountain Home Airbase in Idaho.

Overview

  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Qatar’s defense minister signed a letter at the Pentagon authorizing a Qatar Emiri Air Force facility at Mountain Home Air Force Base.
  • The site will host Qatari F-15s and pilots for joint training to bolster combined readiness and interoperability.
  • Pentagon and Qatari officials say the facility remains under U.S. control within the existing base, with an initial 10-year commitment from Qatar.
  • The announcement drew sharp criticism from MAGA-aligned figures such as Laura Loomer and Steve Bannon, while Idaho Rep. Mike Simpson praised the move and Sen. Mike Crapo sought details.
  • Planning dates to a 2017 F-15 sale and a 2022 environmental review that envisioned up to 12 F-15QAs and roughly 300 personnel, though construction schedules and start dates have not been finalized.