A new training facility for the Qatari Air Force, established at a US air base, marks a significant development in the military collaboration between Qatar and the United States. The announcement was made by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on October 10, 2023, during a signing ceremony with Qatar’s Defense Minister Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. This facility aims to enhance the training of Qatari pilots and ground crew while also reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two nations.
The newly established facility will be located at the Mountain Home Air Base in Idaho and will accommodate a contingent of Qatari F-15 fighter jets. Hegseth highlighted that the facility is designed to improve combined training efforts, enhance operational readiness, and increase interoperability between the forces. He emphasized, “Qatar will not have their own base in the United States—nor anything like a base. We control the existing base, like we do with all partners.”
Practical Advantages for Qatar
The purpose of the training facility is to provide a dedicated space for Qatari pilots and ground crew to develop their skills in operating and maintaining F-15 QAs. As noted by Rashid Al Mohannadi, a non-resident fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, this arrangement addresses Qatar’s limitations regarding home airspace and accelerates pilot proficiency on advanced US fighter jets.
The construction and operational support for the Qatari F-15s have been facilitated through Foreign Military Sales (FMS), according to a US official. The official stated, “The establishment of an enduring location for Qatari F-15 aircraft at Mountain Home Air Force Base provides Qatar with strategic flexibility to operate and sustain their advanced fighter aircraft.” This facility is expected to bolster defense partnerships and enhance joint operational capabilities, ultimately increasing the effectiveness of military operations among allied nations.
In 2016, the US State Department approved an FMS agreement for 72 F-15 fighter jets to Qatar, valued at $21.1 billion. The final deal, however, was for 36 jets worth $12 billion, with the Qatari Air Force receiving its first batch in 2021.
Geopolitical Implications
Beyond the immediate training benefits, analysts perceive the public announcement of the facility as a strategic geopolitical move. This comes at a delicate time in the Middle East, with tensions rising following recent events. Ali Bakir, a professor at Qatar University, remarked that the facility enhances Qatar’s influence in the United States while maintaining stable political relations. He believes this initiative will bolster Qatar’s image within the current US administration and create economic opportunities, including job creation and improved infrastructure.
The recent military actions in the region have prompted a more active US response, with former President Donald Trump publicly supporting Qatar. This includes an executive order asserting that any armed attack on Qatar would be considered a threat to US national security.
Kristian Alexander, a senior fellow at the Rabdan Security and Defence Institute, described the new facility as a significant “burden-sharing” gesture, reinforcing Qatar’s value to Washington during a period of heightened scrutiny regarding its mediation role and defense connections. He highlighted that this agreement solidifies Qatar’s status as a “Major Non-NATO Ally,” a designation it received in 2022, aligning its long-term interests with those of the United States.
Al Mohannadi pointed out that such facilities enable air forces to develop greater operational autonomy. This shift allows Gulf states to share the burden of defense responsibilities while reducing the US military footprint in the region, allowing for a focus on other strategic areas, such as East Asia.
Looking ahead, Bakir suggested that this agreement could lead to Qatar acquiring additional US-made military equipment. He noted that Gulf nations often enhance their negotiating power by investing in US defense capabilities, which in turn fosters extensive commercial and investment opportunities for the US in the region.
In summary, Qatar’s new training facility at Mountain Home Air Base is not only a significant step in military cooperation but also a strategic maneuver that helps solidify the partnership between Qatar and the United States amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.