(MENAFN) The United States has finalized an agreement allowing Qatar to construct an air force facility in Idaho, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed. This facility will be located at the Mountain Home Airbase, in the northwestern state of Idaho, and will serve as a training site for Qatari pilots flying F-15 fighter jets.

Hegseth, speaking during a meeting at the Pentagon with Qatari Defense Minister Saoud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani on Friday, highlighted the agreement as a significant step in strengthening US-Qatar relations. "It's just another example of our partnership," he remarked, emphasizing the growing military cooperation between the two nations.

The Defense Secretary also commended Qatar's active role in diplomatic efforts, particularly those led by US President Donald Trump, to broker a ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of hostages. Qatar has worked closely with Egypt and Turkey in mediating indirect talks between Israel and Hamas over the past several months.

"We're signing a letter of acceptance today to build a Qatari Emiri Air Force Facility at Mountain Home Airbase in Idaho," Hegseth announced. "This location will house a contingent of Qatari F-15s and pilots, enhancing our combined training, improving interoperability, and increasing combat effectiveness. It's another testament to our partnership."

Although Hegseth did not specify the number of F-15s that will be stationed at the new facility or when it will begin operations, the establishment of this airbase underscores the growing defense collaboration between the US and Qatar.

The announcement follows President Trump's executive order last month, which pledged to use all necessary measures, including US military support, to protect Qatar. This agreement solidifies the relationship between the two countries, resembling certain aspects of a NATO-style security pact.

Qatar, a key US ally in the Middle East, is home to the al-Udeid Airbase, the largest US military installation in the region. This base, which serves as the headquarters for US air operations across the Middle East, was targeted by Iranian missile strikes earlier this year, in retaliation for US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

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