Hegseth makes deal for Qatari pilots to train on F-15 fighter jets at a U.S. Air Force base in Idaho
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and his Qatari counterpart signed a joint agreement on Friday for the U.S. to host a contingent of the Gulf state’s pilots and F-15 jet fighters at an Air Force base in Idaho.
Mr. Hegseth made the announcement at the Pentagon alongside Qatari Minister of Defense Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
“The location will host a contingent of Qatari F-15s and pilots to enhance our combined training and increase lethal interoperations,” Mr. Hegseth said. “It’s just another example of our partnership.”
The training will take place at Mountain Home Air Force Base, about 50 miles southeast of Boise.
The Qatari pilots and crews won’t be the only non-American contingent based at Mountain Home. Singapore’s F-15SG fighter crews have been stationed there since 2009 as part of a 25-year training program.
The defense minister trumpeted a close relationship between Doha and Washington that began even before the decision to create a new on-base flight center for Qatari personnel.
“Our nations share a deep relationship grounded in a mutual respect and a common vision for peace and stability in the Middle East,” he said. “Qatar … stands as a cornerstone of this alliance and a testament to our collective commitment to regional and global security.”
Rep. Mike Simpson, an Idaho Republican, cheered the decision.
“This development is beneficial for training, enhances our partnership with America’s allies, and strengthens national security,” Mr. Simpson said on X.
The Qatari defense chief said Friday’s agreement reflects the close relationship between Doha and Washington that led to the ceasefire in Gaza and plans to return captured Israeli hostages home to their families.
“Hosting the U.S. forces at 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 welcome President Trump’s executive order reaffirming American commitment to Qatar’s security and sovereignty.”
• Mike Glenn can be reached at mglenn@washingtontimes.com.