History of Al Udeid Air Base in Timeline

Al Udeid Air Base, located southwest of Doha, Qatar, is a crucial military installation. It serves as a key operating location for the United States Air Force Central Command (AFCENT), hosting a significant forward headquarters and housing various military assets and personnel. Its strategic location makes it vital for projecting air power and supporting military operations in the Middle East and surrounding regions. It is also known as Abu Nakhlah Airport.

1991: Conclusion of Defense Cooperation Agreement

Following joint military operations during Operation Desert Storm, Qatar and the United States concluded a Defense Cooperation Agreement in 1991, which was subsequently expanded.

1996: Qatar built Al Udeid Air Base

In 1996, Qatar built Al Udeid Air Base at a cost of more than $1 billion.

September 2001: U.S. first used the base

In late September 2001, the U.S. Air Force first used the then-secret Al Udeid Air Base to position aircraft for operations in Afghanistan.

March 2002: Official acknowledgement of the base

The official acknowledgement of Al Udeid Air Base came in March 2002, when Vice President Dick Cheney stopped there during a trip to the region with a group of reporters.

April 2003: RAF Al Udeid Wing flew 268 sorties in Iraq

Between 20 March to 15 April 2003, the Al Udeid Wing of the RAF flew 268 sorties in operations against the Government of Saddam Hussein in Iraq at the start of the Iraq War.

April 2003: U.S. Combat Air Operations Center moved to Qatar

In April 2003, shortly after the start of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, the U.S. Combat Air Operations Center for the Middle East moved from Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

2003: Australian Forces Based at Al Udeid for Iraq Invasion

In 2003, as part of Australia's contribution to coalition forces in the invasion of Iraq, fourteen F/A-18 Hornet fighters from No. 75 Squadron RAAF, two P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft and three C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft were based at Al Udeid. The Hornets flew long missions escorting coalition AWACS and tanker aircraft, later switching to ground attack roles. The Orions tracked vessels, curbing smuggling, and the Hercules flew supplies into Iraq, including humanitarian aid to Baghdad. The Royal Australian Air Force Hornets flew over 670 sorties during the war, including 350 combat sorties over Iraq.

2004: Airbase Used by RAF for Operation Telic and Operation Herrick

In 2004, the Al Udeid airbase was used by the Royal Air Force with transport and fast-jet aircraft to support Operation Telic (Iraq War) and Operation Herrick (War in Afghanistan).

2008: $81.7 million authorized to build new Air Force and Special Operations facilities

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 authorized $81.7 million in FY2008 spending to build new Air Force and Special Operations facilities in Qatar.

2009: Reduction of Royal Air Force activities

After the withdrawal of British Tornados and VC10s in Summer 2009 to other locations, Royal Air Force activities at Al Udeid were reduced.

2009: $69.6 million authorized to build new Air Force and Special Operations facilities

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 authorized $69.6 million in FY2009 spending to build new Air Force and Special Operations facilities in Qatar.

2009: Airbase Used by RAF for Operation Telic and Operation Herrick

Until 2009, the Al Udeid airbase was used by the Royal Air Force with transport and fast-jet aircraft to support Operation Telic (Iraq War) and Operation Herrick (War in Afghanistan).

2010: $117 million authorized to build new Air Force facilities

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 authorized $117 million in FY2010 spending to build new Air Force recreational, dormitory, and other facilities at Al Udeid.

2014: HQ for British involvement in airstrikes against ISIS

Since 2014, Al Udeid Air Base has been used as the headquarters for British involvement in airstrikes against ISIS in Iraq (Operation Shader).

June 2017: Base hosted over 11,000 U.S. and anti-ISIL coalition forces

In June 2017, media reports indicated that Al Udeid Air Base hosted over 11,000 U.S. and U.S.-led anti-ISIL coalition forces, along with over 100 operational aircraft.

June 2017: Pentagon says tensions won't affect U.S. operations

In early June 2017, the Pentagon stated that the diplomatic rupture and tensions between Qatar and some of its Arab neighbors would not affect U.S. operations at Al Udeid Air Base.