Qatari military pilots will train on F-15 fighter jets in the United States as part of a cooperative training plan between the two countries.
Demonstrating the U.S.’s commitment to partner with Qatar, U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced in October 2025 that Qatari flyers would use the Mountain Home Air Force Base in the state of Idaho, a location already used by military pilots from Singapore.
While signing the agreement with Hegseth, Qatari Minister of Defense Affairs His Highness Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani praised the “enduring partnership” between the two countries, which includes the U.S. lease of Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
“Our nations share a deep defense relationship grounded in a mutual respect and a common vision for peace and stability in the Middle East,” Sheikh Saoud said.
Since 2003, Qatar has been the key hub for U.S. military operations in the region. Al-Udeid accommodates U.S. Central Command’s forward headquarters and U.S. Air Forces Central Command.
Besides conducting several joint exercises regularly, the two nations, in 2025 alone, signed major defense contracts, including a $2 billion deal for General Atomics MQ-9B drones and a $1 billion deal for counter-drone systems. Also, the two parties signed a statement of intent for a $42 billion defense package that includes an advanced system to counter missiles called Terminal High Altitude Area Defense.
Sources: Al Jazeera, BBC, Gem State Chronicle, breakingdefense.com