Idaho’s Becoming Relevant Now?

Diya Ravi

October 10, 2025

The United States will permit Qatar to construct an Air Force facility at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced on Friday. American forces will be accompanied by Qatari pilots who will receive instruction at this facility.

Hegseth underlined that by housing a group of Qatari F-15 fighter jets and pilots, the facility seeks to strengthen military cooperation between the United States and Qatar.

He clarified, "The site will host a contingent of Qatari F-15s and pilots to enhance our combined training, increase lethality, and improve interoperability," during a Pentagon meeting with Saoud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, Qatar's Minister of State for Defense Affairs. This is yet another illustration of our collaboration, and I hope you know, Your Excellency, that you can rely on us.

The significance of this relationship with a non-NATO Arab ally is highlighted by the announcement that President Donald Trump signed an executive order last month to ensure U.S. security support for Qatar, particularly in the wake of Israeli airstrikes that targeted Hamas officials in Doha. The construction of the Mountain Home facility, however, has been going on for several years and predates recent political developments, according to U.S. officials.

Defense officials pointed out that this agreement fits into a long-standing practice of the Air Force hosting allied training programs on American soil, similar to past arrangements with Germany and Singapore. Hegseth clarified that this will not create a foreign military base in the U.S., stating, “The U.S. military has a long-standing partnership with Qatar, including today’s announced cooperation with F-15QA aircraft. There will be no Qatari-owned base in the United States.”

Despite these reassurances, the announcement received criticism from some Trump supporters. Far-right activist Laura Loomer expressed her outrage on social media, calling the deal “outrageous,” “an abomination,” and a “betrayal.”

Hegseth praised Qatar’s recent diplomatic and military actions, including its role in facilitating the ceasefire and hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas, as well as its support for U.S. strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities earlier this year. Notably, Qatar already hosts Al-Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East.

The planning for the Idaho training facility started at least in 2022, when the Air Force released an environmental impact assessment during President Joe Biden’s administration. The report laid out plans for the establishment of a Qatar Emiri Air Force F-15QA squadron at Mountain Home.

The finalized document from 2022 indicated the need for 12 Qatari F-15QA aircraft and about 300 Qatari and American personnel to operate at the base. It also included plans for constructing and modifying necessary infrastructure and training routes, with operations expected to begin in early fiscal year 2024 and continue for at least a decade.

Qatar’s defense minister welcomed the agreement as a significant milestone in their defense cooperation. Al-Thani remarked, “This step strengthens interoperability, enhances joint readiness, and advances our shared defense goals. Together we will continue to deepen this strategic partnership in pursuit of lasting peace and shared security.”