Qatar to Build Air Force Training Facility at U.S. Base in Idaho Under U.S. Control

According to Rokna, the U.S. Department of Defense has announced that Qatar will build a dedicated air force training facility at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, deepening military cooperation between Washington and Doha amid growing regional security challenges.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed on Friday that the base will host Qatari pilots and technical personnel for advanced flight training and joint exercises with the U.S. Air Force. He emphasized that the new facility will remain fully under U.S. jurisdiction, with all operations subject to American oversight and command authority.

“The partnership with Qatar reflects our shared commitment to long-term regional stability and to strengthening the interoperability of our forces,” Hegseth said during a press briefing at the Pentagon. “This initiative underscores that America’s alliances in the Middle East remain essential to countering emerging threats.”

According to the Pentagon, the facility will include classrooms, simulators, hangars, and flight infrastructure designed for Qatar’s F-15QA fighter fleet — one of the most advanced variants of the F-15 aircraft, produced by Boeing for the Qatari Emiri Air Force.

Qatar has invested heavily in modernizing its air force over the past decade, acquiring F-15s, Rafales, and Eurofighter Typhoons as part of a broader national defense strategy. Hosting Qatari pilots at a U.S. base will enable closer coordination with American aircrews and ensure training under U.S. standards.

Mountain Home Air Force Base, located in southwestern Idaho, has been selected for its existing infrastructure and open airspace suitable for high-performance flight operations. U.S. officials said construction could begin in early 2026 following completion of environmental assessments.

The agreement marks a continuation of defense ties between the two allies. Qatar hosts Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East and a key operational hub for U.S. air operations across the region.

However, the decision has stirred some domestic criticism. A small number of U.S. lawmakers and activists questioned the move, arguing that the Pentagon should focus on American military needs first. In response, Hegseth reiterated that the project would be “entirely funded by Qatar” and would “create local jobs and infrastructure investment” in Idaho.

Analysts view the partnership as a signal of Washington’s intent to maintain strong defense cooperation with Gulf allies despite shifting geopolitical dynamics. “This move demonstrates that Qatar remains a trusted and vital security partner for the United States,” said a senior defense analyst at the Atlantic Council.

The facility is expected to be operational by late 2027, training both Qatari and U.S. personnel for advanced combat readiness missions.