Qatar Establishes First Overseas Air Force Facility at US Base in Idaho

By Garth Calitz

In a landmark move symbolising deepening defence ties between the United States and Qatar, the two nations have agreed to establish a Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) facility at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. The announcement, made on October 10, 2025, by US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth and Qatari Defence Minister Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, marks the first time that Qatar will operate a dedicated military facility on US soil.

The new facility will host Qatari personnel and F-15QA Ababil fighter jets, part of the fleet delivered to Qatar as part of a multi-billion-dollar defence partnership with Boeing. The project is being hailed as a significant step in enhancing bilateral cooperation, expanding joint training opportunities, and strengthening security ties between the two nations.

The initiative reflects Qatar’s ongoing modernisation of its air force and the country’s long-standing security relationship with the United States. For decades, Qatar has hosted key US military installations, most notably Al Udeid Air Base, home to US Central Command’s forward headquarters. The new arrangement represents a reversal of roles—this time, it is the Qatari Air Force establishing a presence in America.

Defence officials have emphasised that the arrangement is not about creating a sovereign Qatari base in the United States. Rather, it is a shared-use facility located within Mountain Home Air Force Base, which remains under full US control. The agreement allows Qatar to maintain and operate aircraft, conduct pilot training, and collaborate with US Air Force units stationed at the base.

“The Qatar Emiri Air Force’s presence at Mountain Home AFB is a powerful symbol of our shared commitment to stability, interoperability, and collective defence,” said Secretary Hegseth during the joint announcement. “This partnership will enhance readiness for both nations and strengthen the foundation of our military alliance.”

Located in the open terrain of southwestern Idaho, Mountain Home AFB offers ideal airspace, infrastructure, and training conditions for advanced fighter operations. The base already supports foreign detachments, including a Singaporean Air Force contingent that operates F-15SG fighters there under a similar training agreement. By joining this international training environment, Qatar’s pilots and maintenance crews will benefit from close integration with US Air Force operations and exposure to advanced tactics and technologies. The facility will include hangars, classrooms, maintenance areas, and support housing tailored to the QEAF’s needs.

The ten-year agreement, with potential for extension, is part of a broader effort to ensure long-term collaboration and standardisation between the U.S. and Qatari air forces. It is also expected to enhance the efficiency of training programs for Qatar’s new generation of F-15QA aircraft, which represent one of the most advanced variants of the F-15 family.

The announcement underscores the evolution of US-Qatar defence cooperation from a host-nation relationship in the Gulf to a two-way partnership in training and capability development. Qatar has emerged as one of Washington’s key defence partners in the Middle East, investing heavily in US defence technologies and supporting coalition operations in the region.

The F-15QA program, valued at over $12 billion, is one of the largest defence sales in Qatar’s history. The aircraft were developed and assembled in the United States, with Qatari pilots undergoing advanced training at U.S. facilities. Hosting Qatari aircraft on American soil is a logical next step in ensuring continued proficiency and interoperability.

“The facility in Idaho will serve as a cornerstone for ongoing cooperation,” said Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. “It reflects our trust in the U.S. Air Force and our shared vision for security and stability in both our regions.”

The partnership also aligns with U.S. strategic interests in maintaining close ties with Gulf allies amid regional uncertainties. Qatar has played a vital diplomatic role in mediating regional conflicts, including the historic Gaza Peace Deal, hosting international discussions and its cooperation in defense matters further solidifies its position as a key US partner.

The new arrangement is expected to bring significant operational benefits for both sides. Joint training exercises between US and Qatari pilots will help develop shared tactics, improve situational awareness, and enhance coordination in multinational missions.

The US Air Force has long emphasised the importance of interoperability with allied air forces, particularly as modern warfare increasingly relies on networked operations and precision coordination. Training alongside Qatari pilots flying the F-15QA, a highly advanced variant featuring digital fly-by-wire controls, updated avionics, and extended range, will provide valuable experience for both nations’ forces.

For Qatar, the Idaho facility represents an opportunity to sustain a high level of training without the environmental and logistical constraints of the Gulf region. The wide-open airspace, advanced simulation facilities, and joint exercises will allow Qatari crews to refine their skills in a demanding but collaborative environment.

The establishment of the Qatari Air Force facility at Mountain Home AFB may serve as a model for future international defence partnerships. Similar shared-base arrangements have proven successful in fostering long-term cooperation while maintaining U.S. operational control and security standards. As global security challenges evolve, such partnerships allow allied nations to build mutual trust, align tactics, and ensure rapid interoperability in potential coalition operations. For the US, the initiative demonstrates a growing willingness to deepen defence ties with trusted partners beyond traditional geographic boundaries.

“This is not just about aircraft or facilities—it’s about a shared vision of peace and preparedness,” Secretary Hegseth concluded. “Together, the United States and Qatar are building the capabilities and relationships needed to meet the challenges of the future.”

The new Qatar Emiri Air Force facility in Idaho stands as a milestone in international military collaboration. By establishing a training presence at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Qatar and the United States have reinforced their partnership and set a precedent for deeper, more integrated defence cooperation. While the facility remains under U.S. command, its significance extends far beyond logistics. It represents a new era of trust and interoperability between two nations that have long worked together to promote stability—from the Persian Gulf to the skies over Idaho.