This deal deepens a strategic military alliance, following recent US security guarantees for Qatar. (Image: X/ File)
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the finalization of a key agreement on Friday, allowing the Qatari Emiri Air Force to construct its own facility at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. The announcement was made during a joint appearance at the Pentagon with Qatari Minister of Defense Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. This action indicates deeper strategic coordination between the two countries and strengthens their expanding military alliance.
The newly signed agreement is a "letter of acceptance" that permits Qatar to build a dedicated facility within the American base. This facility will support joint training operations, enabling Qatari pilots to train directly alongside US forces. Secretary Hegseth stated that the location “will host a contingent of Qatari F-15's and pilots to enhance our combined training, increase lethality, interoperability.” He emphasized the strength of the partnership, telling the Qatari Minister, "I hope you know, your excellency, that you can count on us."
A key question is why a foreign military is constructing a facility on American soil. The United States does not host full foreign military bases, but it does permit select allied nations to maintain a training presence. The arrangement boosts teamwork among allied air forces, ensuring they can operate in sync. The base has previously staged such exercises with Singapore with success.
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This agreement is not a unique occurrence. It is a glaring example of the Trump administration's growing ties with Qatar. Last month, President Trump signed a significant executive order explicitly assuring Qatar's security, particularly after a military strike on its capital, Doha. The order stated that the US would consider any armed attack on Qatar “as a threat to the peace and security of the United States." Qatar's standing as a crucial ally has also been strengthened by senior US officials' recognition of its "significant" involvement in facilitating the Israel-Hamas peace agreement.
Disclaimer: The Department's official announcements and remarks as well as news sources' assertions served as the basis for this article.
