Defense Secretary Hegseth announces that US will host Qatari air force facility in Idaho

The announcement was made at the Pentagon as Hegseth sat alongside the Qatari defense minister. He said the agreement showcases the strength of the relationship between Qatar and the U.S.

By Just the News staff

Published: October 10, 2025 3:56pm

The U.S. will be hosting a new Qatari air force facility in Idaho, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Friday.

The facility, which was signed off on by the Trump administration, will be for a Qatar Emiri air force contingent at the Mountain Home Air Force Base located in southwestern Idaho, and will be where their pilots will train to fly F-15s, according to The Hill.

“Location will be host to a contingent of Qatari F-15s and pilots to enhance our combined training, increase lethality, interoperability,” Hegseth said Friday. “It’s just another example of our partnership.”

The announcement was made at the Pentagon as Hegseth sat alongside the Qatari defense minister. He said the agreement showcases the strength of the relationship between Qatar and the U.S. and credited the country’s key role in helping to secure the Gaza peace deal.

“You have been a core part of what has unfolded in Gaza, a historic moment. We’re grateful for the strong partnership that we have, the way you support our troops at Al Udeid, Your Excellency, the line of communication we’ve had together,” Hegseth added. Al Udeid refers to the U.S. military base in Qatar.

President Trump accepted a $400 million plane from the Qatari government earlier this year, that will be retrofitted and then utilized as Air Force One.