US Air Force To Increase Operations in Arkansas

The U.S. Air Force announced Ebbing Air National Guard Base was selected as the home of future F-35 fighter planes and a Republic of Singapore F-16 squadron. 

According to a news release sent last week, elected officials, state and community leaders collaborated to promote the capabilities and assets the Fort Smith region offers for military training and readiness, as well as urged the Federal Aviation Administration to expand military airspace which will provide more opportunities for specialized training. 

On July 6, 2020, former Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett signed a memorandum to establish a permanent Foreign Military Sales training center at a single location in the continental United States for up to 36 F-35 aircraft and a Republic of Singapore Air Force F-16 squadron. It was also announced in July 2020 that Fort Smith was one of five finalists to host the mission. 

Besides serving as a cultural boost for Arkansas, the Air Force expansion is the single largest economic development project to enter Arkansas in two decades. Hutchinson explained the significance during a press conference this week. 

The F-35 provides next-generation stealth capabilities to the U.S. and many U.S. ally and partner nations with its aerodynamic performance, advanced integrated avionics, enhanced situational awareness and increased survivability, according to Air Force Officials. 

The Singapore unit and a dozen F-16 planes will begin to arrive on base by 2023, relocating from the Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, where the base is maxing out on the number of aircraft it can hold. At least one dozen F-35s for the training program would arrive in 2026.