In Fort Smith, the much-anticipated groundbreakings for new facilities at the Ebbing Air National Guard Base are set to occur as early as summer 2025. This marks the beginning of a significant four- to five-year building program for the foreign military pilot training center. The 85th Fighter Group, commanded by Col. Nicholas Ihde, has been actively working on preparing the base. During the initial stage, around $10 to $12 million has been invested in temporary facilities. As summer 2025 approaches, stage two will commence, involving up to $200 million in substantial renovations of existing facilities.

Key Players and Their Roles

The 85th Fighter Group and the 57th Fighter Squadron, both under the Eglin, Fla.-based 33rd Fighter Wing, are based at Ebbing. Their primary responsibility is training F-35 pilots from various U.S. and NATO allied countries. Ebbing, which is home to the 188th Wing and co-located with the Fort Smith Regional Airport, was selected in March 2023 by the U.S. Air Force to serve as the long-term pilot training center. This center will support F-16 and F-35 fighter planes purchased by Singapore, Switzerland, Poland, Germany, Finland, and other countries participating in the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Jets for the Polish Air Force are expected to arrive as early as December 2024.

Original Facility Plans and Amendments

The original plan for the base was to support 36 planes, but this has been revised to accommodate 46 fighter jets. The latest estimate suggests that the training center will cost $850 million when fully operational. In a recent interview, Col. Ihde highlighted the renovation of existing facilities. Hangar 200, the large main hangar with "Home of the Flying Razorbacks" painted above the doors, is undergoing a complete refurbishment, including the installation of a new fire suppression system.

Construction of New Buildings

The final stage of work will see the construction of "real new stuff" buildings. Two of these buildings will be large flight simulator facilities, each costing up to $100 million. One facility will be dedicated to NATO allies, while the other will serve the Republic of Singapore Air Force. Singapore pilots and their associated personnel are expected to have a long-term presence at Ebbing. As Ihde explained, "Those are the two biggest buildings that are going up at Ebbing … those full motion simulators, there is four of those each in each of those buildings. So that’s why that building jumps up in cost."

Coordinating Construction and Personnel

Officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have been instrumental in coordinating the construction for the pilot training center. In May 2024, they outlined the construction plans, timelines, and estimated costs. Currently, there are about 25 active duty and guard members affiliated with the 85th. When the training center reaches its peak, there will be around 225 to 250 military members and civilians employed. This estimate does not include personnel and family members affiliated with the Singapore contingent. Col. Ihde also emphasized the strong community support for the base and its operations. In his discussions with community groups, he has not encountered a single person who opposes the training center. Instead, the community's response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their eagerness for the center to be established.