As we previously reported, the U.S. Air Force (USAF) selected Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith as the preferred location for the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program’s pilot training center. Now, it’s been announced that F-35 pilots from Poland are now expected to be the first foreign pilots to fly into Fort Smith.
While the announcement on Mar. 15 was that Frank Kendall, the U.S. Air Force Secretary, has given his final approval by signing the “record of decision.” The sign-off is said to have taken place on Mar. 10.
According to Lt. Col. Drew Nash, the earliest foreign planes and pilots won’t arrive until late 2024, which is part of the military’s fiscal year 2025 that begins in September 2024. Nash added that the full complement of 12 F-16s and 24 F-35s from various nations could arrive in fiscal year 2026 at the earliest. Under the basing decision made by the USAF, the 36 slots are all that are allowed. Lt. Col. Nash has been selected to execute this basing action process with Arkansas’ 188th at Ebbing Air Force Base being the host unit, and Eglin Air Force Base, a tenant which will operate the training center.
It is now anticipated that Poland will be the first country to base its pilots and planes in Fort Smith. The Polish military has agreed to buy 32 F-35A jets at an estimated cost of $4.6bn, and they are expected to arrive next year; Poland is the 14th nation to add the F-35 jet to its force to date.
Singapore will also be basing F-35s at Ebbing. Nash explained that Singapore is different because its air force will have a long-term presence at the pilot training center. The other countries will only be based from Fort Smith on a temporary basis, which is anticipated to be around two years.
Afterward Poland, Finland’s F-35s will arrive next as the country has made a deal to purchase 64 of the advanced fighter jet. Germany will follow Finland with their own F-35s and lastly, Switzerland will join the operation with its F-35A. Singapore is the only country that will operate the F-35B at Ebbing.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, along with Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton, and Congressman Steve Womack have expressed their satisfaction over the U.S. Air Force’s selection of Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith as the new home for the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) mission.
Governor Sanders highlighted the opportunities this move would bring to the state not only in terms of economic growth but also the strengthening of international partnerships. Senator Boozman emphasized the crucial role played by Congressional Delegates and state and community leaders in securing this new mission. Senator Cotton expressed his pleasure over the selection of Fort Smith as the location and pledged to work with concerned officials and stakeholders to bring the sound of freedom back to the River Valley.
Congressman Womack acknowledged the fact that Fort Smith’s central location, existing infrastructure, and aerospace played a significant role in the decision-making process, but he attributed the city’s people’s desire to support national defense to be the ultimate factor in the selection process.
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