DOHA, QATAR In a sweeping show of renewed military cooperation, President Donald Trump announced a $52 billion strategic partnership with Qatar during his visit to the Gulf, reinforcing U.S. military presence and defense alliances in the Middle East.
At the heart of the deal is a $10 billion Qatari investment to upgrade and expand the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military facility in the region. The base plays a critical role in U.S. operations across the Middle East, housing thousands of American troops and serving as a launchpad for counterterrorism missions.
“This partnership is a win for regional security and for American jobs,” Trump declared during a joint press conference in Doha. “Qatar is stepping up as a serious and reliable defense partner.”
In addition to the military investment, Qatar has finalized $42 billion in defense and aviation contracts, including a landmark purchase of up to 210 Boeing widebody jets for Qatar Airways. The deal represents one of the largest commercial aviation agreements in history, boosting U.S. manufacturing and deepening economic ties.
Qatari Defense Minister Khalid bin Mohammad Al Attiyah emphasized the long-term strategic significance: “This is not just about hardware. It’s about trust, shared security, and mutual respect.”
Defense analysts see the move as a calculated effort by both nations to counter regional threats, particularly Iranian influence and the growing military assertiveness of China and Russia in the Gulf.
The agreement also signals a notable shift in U.S. foreign policy posture, as Trump pursues bilateral mega-deals while demanding greater cost-sharing from allies.
Critics, however, warn that the massive scale of arms and aircraft transfers could escalate tensions in an already fragile region. Human rights watchdogs have urged Washington to include safeguards and transparency provisions to prevent misuse of the equipment.
Nevertheless, U.S. officials hailed the deal as a cornerstone of Middle East defense stability, pledging continued collaboration with Gulf allies to secure trade routes, counter terror networks, and maintain peace through strength.
