The Department of the Air Force selected Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Fort Smith, Arkansas, as the preferred location to host 12 additional F-35 Lightning IIs at the training center for Foreign Military Sales participants.
The service selected Ebbing ANGB as the final location for FMS customers in March 2023 following an environmental impact statement that allowed for a maximum of 24 F-35s at the base.
Additional FMS countries purchasing the F-35, along with associated training, necessitates an increase in the number of aircraft to a maximum of 36. Additionally, the base will gain almost 200 personnel to support the training mission.
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.
Foreign Military Sales is a security assistance program authorized by the Arms Export Control Act. The act allows the U.S. to sell defense equipment, conduct training and provide services to a foreign country when the president deems that doing so will strengthen U.S. national security and promote world peace.
Following this decision, the Department of the Air Force will complete the supplemental Environmental Impact Statement to confirm Ebbing ANGB can support the additional aircraft.
