The US Air Force has opened new facilities in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to offer F-35 Lightning II pilot training under foreign military sales programs.
Located at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, the site features flight-line stations, briefing rooms, sustainment hangars, and other spaces dedicated to full preparation support for partners.
The center was inaugurated by the Air Education and Training Command (AETC), the 33rd Fighter Wing (33rd FW), and the Arkansas Air National Guard in collaboration with the Fort Smith community.
At the event, the 33rd Fighter Wing exhibited two of its Florida-stationed F-35 stealth fighters to signify the hub’s new capabilities and the teams’ commitment to the effort.
“This ceremony marks the completion of critical support facilities which will enable early operating capability for the establishment of the F-35 Foreign Military Sales Pilot Training Center, right here, at Ebbing Air National Guard Base,” AETC Commander Lt. Gen. Brian Robinson remarked.
“Today, Ebbing Air National Guard Base is officially open for F-35 business. We are ready to train our international partners on the world’s most advanced fighter jet. The work that’s been done here, from the construction to the partnerships formed, sets the foundation for decades of global collaboration and air superiority.”
Poland First to Practice
Ebbing also celebrated the milestone of its recently activated 85th Fighter Group, a unit to oversee on-site coordination and associated flying operations for allied trainees.
Among the initial forces to undertake courses under the F-35 sessions will arrive from Poland, as Warsaw will soon receive about 30 Lightning II jets ordered via a cooperative sale with the US government in 2019.
F-35 developer Lockheed Martin launched the first jet for the program in August 2024.
“This moment launches a new chapter for Ebbing and the 85th Fighter Group,” Commander Col. Nicholas Ihde stated.
“With the arrival of our Polish pilots as early as next month, we are ready to train the next generation of fighter pilots and allied partners, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge needed to maintain air dominance.”
Local Community Growth
During the ceremony, Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton further highlighted the Ebbing base’s role in national defense and the local economy.
“We will once again hear the sound of freedom in the skies from right here in Arkansas,” Cotton said.
“We are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies through Ebbing’s operations to enhance the security of our nation. Additionally, this base will bring amazing economic opportunities to the state [of Arkansas] for decades to come with jobs, businesses, and more.”