Kuwait city: The US will host an installation for the Qatari Air Force where Qatari airmen would train on F-15 fighter jets, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Friday.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Hegseth, who met with Qatar's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani at the Pentagon, stated that the Pentagon has agreed to host a new Qatari air force facility in Idaho. Hegseth emphasized Doha's involvement in securing the Gaza peace deal as a significant factor in this decision.
Hegseth announced that a letter of acceptance has been issued for the construction of a Qatari Amiri Air Force facility at the Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. This facility will be dedicated to training Qatari pilots on F-15 fighter jets. He mentioned the strategic benefits of the facility, highlighting the enhancement of combined training, increased lethality, and interoperability between the two nations' air forces. Hegseth expressed confidence in the partnership and assured the Qatari minister of continued support.
In context of the Gaza settlement plan, Hegseth credited President Trump with achieving a peace deal that he believes will be enduring, acknowledging Qatar's pivotal role in the process. He expressed gratitude for Qatar's contributions and mentioned the potential for him to accompany President Donald Trump on an upcoming trip to the Middle East to attend the ceremonial signing of the Gaza deal in Egypt.