US Approves Qatar F-15 Facility at Idaho’s Mountain Home Base

Washington — The United States has approved a plan allowing Qatar to establish an air force facility at Mountain Home Air Base in Idaho, marking a significant step in the two nations’ defense cooperation. The facility will host Qatari F-15 fighter jets and pilots, aimed at enhancing joint training and operational readiness.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the agreement on Friday, noting that the initiative is designed to "increase lethality and interoperability" between U.S. and Qatari forces. The move comes shortly after President Donald Trump signed an executive order pledging protection for Qatar following Israeli airstrikes targeting Hamas leaders in Doha.

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Mountain Home Air Base, already home to a fighter squadron from Singapore, will see Qatari personnel integrate with U.S. operations. While some social media voices expressed concern over the new arrangement, officials emphasized that the U.S. retains full control of the base and that Qatar will not operate an independent facility.

Qatar’s Defense Minister Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani highlighted the longstanding partnership, calling the collaboration “strong and enduring,” while also acknowledging Qatar’s role in mediating regional conflicts and securing the release of hostages, including a U.S. citizen from Afghanistan.

The decision underscores the strategic importance of U.S.-Qatar relations, particularly in the context of rising tensions in the Middle East, and reflects broader efforts to strengthen alliances in the region.