US inagurates F-35 foreign military sales training facilities in Arkansas

The US Air Force has inaugurated new training facilities in Fort Smith, Arkansas, designed for F-35 Lightning II pilot training as part of foreign military sales programs.

Located at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, the facility includes flight-line stations, briefing rooms, sustainment hangars, and other dedicated spaces to support partner nations, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The opening was celebrated by the Air Education and Training Command (AETC), the 33rd Fighter Wing (33rd FW), and the Arkansas Air National Guard, in collaboration with the local Fort Smith community. At the event, the 33rd Fighter Wing showcased two of its F-35 stealth fighters stationed in Florida to demonstrate the center’s new capabilities and commitment.

“This ceremony signifies the completion of essential support facilities that will enable early operating capability for the F-35 Foreign Military Sales Pilot Training Center here at Ebbing Air National Guard Base,” stated AETC Commander Lt. Gen. Brian Robinson.

“Today, Ebbing is officially ready for F-35 operations. We are prepared to train our international partners on the world's most advanced fighter jet. The work accomplished here lays the groundwork for decades of global collaboration and air superiority.”

The base also celebrated the activation of its 85th Fighter Group, tasked with coordinating on-site operations for allied trainees. Poland will be among the first countries to participate in the training, with plans for Polish pilots to arrive soon, as the country is set to receive approximately 30 F-35 jets ordered through a cooperative sale with the US government in 2019. The first jet for the program was launched by Lockheed Martin in August 2024.

“This marks a new chapter for Ebbing and the 85th Fighter Group,” remarked Commander Col. Nicholas Ihde. “With Polish pilots arriving as early as next month, we are ready to train the next generation of fighter pilots and ensure they possess the skills necessary for air dominance.”

During the ceremony, Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton emphasized the base’s importance to national defence and its positive impact on the local economy. “We will once again hear the sound of freedom in the skies above Arkansas,” Cotton said.

“We are proud to support our allies through Ebbing's operations, enhancing our national security, and this base will create significant economic opportunities for Arkansas for years to come, generating jobs and business growth.”