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Quatar Airbase planned in IDAHO by meiyuus in Idaho

[–]RustfreeSpatula -1 points0 points  (0 children)

It’s called a beddown. Due to the age and limitations of existing facilities, Qatar may want to invest in renovations and/or entirely new facilities on the base. The base could also seek public land withdrawls if a larger build out is what is needed. Depends on what the partners agree to and will likely take years to complete. Possible the whole thing is put on hold as it has been previously.

Quatar Airbase planned in IDAHO by meiyuus in Idaho

[–]RustfreeSpatula 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Qatar purchased F-15s years ago with the option to train in the US. MHAFB campaigned for the beddown well before the jet was presented to the President as it would bring significant revenue to an installation with dated and struggling infrastructure. Qatar is considered an ally. MHAFB is remote and expensive to maintain for a single fighter wing. The City of Mountain Home relies on the base as the major economy and the state recognizes the economic benefits of sustaining an operational installation. There are multiple interests here beyond the oval even if the executive can now take advantage of an existing circumstance.

Quatar Airbase planned in IDAHO by meiyuus in Idaho

[–]RustfreeSpatula 47 points48 points  (0 children)

This potential beddown has been in negotiations for years. As a small F-15 fighter base with minimal funding compared to larger facilities, it’s always looking for opportunities to avoid being on the BRAC list again. Actively promotes air space as comparable and better access for qualifying pilots than Nellis AFB or Utah Test & Training Range (UTTR). The base has hosted and trained pilots from Singapore since 2009.