so
the department of the air force selected ebbing air national guard base fort smith arkansas
is the preferred location to establish an f-35 lightning ii training center for foreign military
sales participants in the new location for the 425th fighter squadron a republic of singapore
air force fighting falcon training unit currently based at luke air force base arizona this decision
comes after several u.s ally and partner nations showed interest in conducting f-35 training at a
us-based f-35 training facility ramp and airspace capacity constraints at luke afd limit expansion
this new training center will have capacity for up to 36 fighter aircraft the f-35 provides
next-generation stealth capabilities to the us and many u.s ally and partner nations with its
aerodynamic performance advanced integrated avionics enhanced situational awareness and
increased survivability the f-35 program is a multi-service multinational effort that
dramatically increases interoperability between the us and other f-35 partner nations said acting
secretary of the air force john p wrong we are fully committed to the f-35 as the cornerstone
of the u.s air force's fighter fleet and look forward to building stronger relationships with
nations who want to work by our side foreign military sales is a security assistance program
authorized by the arms export control act the act allows the us 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 conduct an environmental impact analysis to confirm ebbing amgb can support
f-35 missions this selection also establishes selfridge angb michigan as an alternate location
in the rare case the environmental impact analysis determines the preferred location unsuitable
the department of the air force anticipates making the final facing decision in spring 2023
foreign