U.S. Approves New Air Base in Idaho for Training Qatari Pilots

Staff Reporter | PNN:
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced on Friday that Qatar has been granted permission to establish an airbase at Mountain Home Air Force Base in the state of Idaho. At this base, Qatari pilots will receive training to fly F-15 fighter jets.

Secretary Hegseth stated, “This is yet another example of our strong partnership with Qatar.” He also noted that Qatar has played a significant role in negotiations related to the Gaza ceasefire and hostage releases.

The new base at Mountain Home will host Qatari F-15 jets and pilots, enhancing joint training and military capability. Hegseth added, “You can count on us.”

However, the Defense Secretary did not disclose how many F-15 jets would be stationed there or when the base would become operational.

Last month, President Trump signed an executive order pledging full U.S. support for Qatar. The order solidified the U.S.–Qatar security relationship as an unusually strong and strategic alliance.

Notably, Qatar is already home to Al-Udeid Air Base — the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East — which serves as the headquarters for all U.S. air operations in the region.