Qatar and the United States have signed an agreement to establish a Qatari Emiri Air Force facility at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho to host F-15 jets and pilots, strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and joint readiness.
The United States and Qatar have agreed to establish a new Qatari air force facility at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, aimed at strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and providing advanced training for Qatari pilots.
The agreement was signed today, 10 October, by Qatar’s Minister of Defence, Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
During a ceremony at the Pentagon, Secretary Hegseth highlighted the significance of the agreement, stating: “Today, we’re announcing a letter of acceptance in building a Qatari Emiri Air Force facility at the Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho.”
He explained that the facility would host a contingent of Qatari F-15 fighter jets and pilots, aiming to “enhance our combined training, increase lethality, interoperability,” and described the initiative as “just another example of our partnership.”
The establishment of the facility also reflects Qatar’s pivotal role in recent diplomatic efforts. Secretary Hegseth acknowledged Qatar’s contribution to securing a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, noting, “You have been a core part of what has unfolded in Gaza, a historic moment.”
He expressed gratitude for Qatar’s ongoing support, particularly highlighting their assistance at Al Udeid Air Base, a key U.S. military installation in the region.
Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, hailed the “deep defence partnership” shared by both states.
“Our nation shares a deep defence partnership grounded in a mutual respect and a common vision for peace and stability in the Middle East. Qatar’s hosting of Al Udeid Air Base stands as a cornerstone of this alliance and a testament to our collective commitment to regional and global security,” he said.
“We further welcome the signing of the letter of acceptance establishing a Qatari Emiri Air Force facility at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. This step strengthens interoperabilities, enhances joint readiness and advances our shared defence goals,” he added.
“Together we will continue to deepen this strategic partnership in pursuit of lasting peace and shared security.”
Mountain Home Air Force Base, located in southwestern Idaho, is already home to the 366th Fighter Wing, which operates F-15E Strike Eagles. The base also hosts the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s F-15SG fighter jets.
The addition of the Qatari contingent is expected to further enhance the base’s operational capabilities, providing a platform for joint training exercises and fostering closer ties between the U.S. and Qatari air forces.
source/content: dohanews.co (headline edited)
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