Lockheed Martin delivers two Polish F-35A Husarz fighters to Ebbing Air National Guard Base

December 23, 2025 - The General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces announced that two more multirole Lockheed Martin F-35A Husarz aircraft have been delivered to the U.S. Air Force’s Ebbing base in Fort Smith. The aircraft, registered as 3506 and 3507, expand the Polish training component stationed there.

(Photo from Airman 1st Class Miles Chrisman, 33rd Fighter Group. Get photo details here.)

First Finnish Air Force F-35 Lightning II Arrives at Ebbing Air National Guard Base

Excerpts courtesy of Dan Hawkins, Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs

The first Finnish Air Force (FINAF) F-35A Lightning II landed here Jan. 20, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the security partnership between the United States and Finland.

The arrival kicks off a comprehensive training program for Finnish pilots and maintenance personnel, scheduled to begin in May 2026 on the 5th-generation fighter jet.

The FINAF students will be trained by the 57th Fighter Squadron, the U.S. Air Force's unit dedicated to training foreign military sales partners on the F-35 at Ebbing ANGB.

The training curriculum is a multi-location effort. Pilots will complete academics and simulator training at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, before conducting live flight training in the skies over Fort Smith, Arkansas.

In addition to pilot training, Finnish maintenance personnel will participate in training program at Ebbing, where they will learn from Interim Contract Support (ICS) maintainers. This approach ensures the FINAF is fully equipped to handle F-35 maintenance upon their return to Finland.

Fuel Farm Now Open at Ebbing Air National Guard Base

For the first time in nearly a decade, jet fuel will now be able to successfully transfer from on-base petroleum, oils, and lubricants storage tanks directly to aircraft in support of the new Foreign Military Sales mission at Ebbing ANGB. After nearly four years of repairs to a fuel farm deemed inoperable in 2021, the system is now fully operational and ready to meet the demands of the FMS mission.

USAF Chief of Staff and Poland Visit Fort Smith

The Chamber was honored to host Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach, Inspector of the Polish Air Force Brigadier General Tomasz Jatczak and Chief Master Sergeant of USAF David Wolfe! The leaders gained valuable insight into why Ebbing Air National Guard Base was selected as the prime location for the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Mission and how our community is preparing to support the arrival of U.S. Military personnel, our allies and their families!

We also had the pleasure of hosting USAF and Poland spouses here at the Chamber as they received a briefing from Gary “Ax” Axley, International Military Student Officer (IMSO) and Amanda Sanders, Community Programs Specialist/Quality of Life Coordinator for the 85th Fighter Group.  

Thank you to Randall Ford for providing transportation for this visit from military members of the U.S. and Poland!

184th Attack Squadron Named General Atomics RPA Squadron of the Year

Congratulations to the 184th Attack Squadron on being named the General Atomics RPA Squadron of the Year! This annual award, presented by General Atomics and the Mitchell Institute, celebrates units that demonstrate excellence in employing remotely piloted aircraft for national securiy, with the 184th ATKS setting a high bar for innovation and operational success.

Swiss Air Force Visits Fort Smith

The Chamber was honored to host a team from the Swiss Air Force at our office on March 19th. As their students prepare for their assignment at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, they took a break from their briefings and experienced a tour of the community. They also learned about education and housing opportunities in the region. 

Construction Projects

We want to ensure Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce members who are in the construction, infrastructure and utility categories are the first to be aware of invitation(s) to bid on projects posted on Sam.gov. Projects open to bid over the past few months include the F35 Academic Training Center, the F35 3-Bay Hangar and the new F35 Special Access Program Facility (SAPF).  

Does your business offer a military discount?

We have put together a tab on our website that features businesses in our area that offer military discounts! This page is shared with the community and military members. Click below to fill out the form and tell us about the perks and discounts you offer!