Ebbing Air Force Base has been selected by the U.S. Air Force to be the long-term pilot training center supporting F-16 and F-35 fighter planes purchased by Singapore, Switzerland, Poland, Germany and other countries participating in the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
According to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), “The Department of the Air Force has finalized the selection of Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith as the site for the new home of the Foreign Military Sales Program (FMS) Pilot Training Center, hosting F-16 and F-35 training for participants.”
It is estimated that the mission will bring approximately 900 military members and their families to the greater Fort Smith Region. Furthermore, the U.S. Air Force “anticipates moving approximately 230 personnel to the base, and the Republic of Singapore will have 300 military personnel with 300 dependent families in the region,” according to AEDC.
Learn more about the exciting announcement on the AEDC website.