NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - The first pair of fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft arrived at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Fort Smith.
Both aircraft belong to Poland and will be used to train Polish fighter pilots in the use of the latest generation fighters.
"The arrival of Poland's first F-35s is a significant milestone for our state, nation and our allies who will train on these fifth-generation fighters at Ebbing Air National Guard Base," said Brigadier General Chad Bridgesthe Adjutant General of Arkansas.
"I am extremely proud of the entire 188th Wing team and staffs at Razorback Range and Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center for the planning and work that resulted in the sound of freedom returning to the river valley today," Bridges said. "They worked with the active-duty Air Force to get from concept to aircraft parked on the ramp in a shortened time. We are grateful for the dedicated teamwork of the folks at Fort Smith, Sebastian County, our entire congressional delegation and the elected state officials who moved mountains to make this mission happen in Arkansas."
F-35 pilot training under the Foreign Military Sales program will be conducted by the Air Force's 85th Fighter Group, a tenant of Ebbing ANGB.
A delegation from the Republic of Singapore Air Force and members of the U.S. Air Force toured selected facilities in March 2020. The Air Force selected Ebbing ANGB in 2023 ahead of Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas and Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan to host the Republic of Singapore's F-35 FMS pilot training and F-16 squadron.
Ebbing ANGB will also host F-35 pilots from Finland, Germany, Switzerland and Singapore in the coming years.
Pentagon/ gnews - RoZ
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