First German F-35A fighter arrives at Arkansas training base

The first of eight Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighter jets destined for Germany has arrived at the Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The arrival marks the beginning of a training program for German pilots and maintenance personnel conducted by the 85th Fighter Group, a subordinate unit of the 33rd Fighter Wing.

Germany is expected to acquire 35 of these fifth-generation fighters as part of an $8.4 billion deal. The training program at Ebbing is designed to allow international pilots to master shared tactics and combat languages. At least 70 German pilots are expected to undergo training at the facility over the next five years, supported by six German instructor pilots.

The remaining seven of the initial eight aircraft are scheduled to arrive at Ebbing by April 2027. Once training is complete, the aircraft will be transferred to the German Air Force base at Büchel, home to Tactical Air Force Wing 33.