Pulaski Times

U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) celebrated the rollout of Poland’s F-35s, which will soon arrive at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, the new home of the Foreign Military Sales mission for the aircraft.

Boozman joined officials from the United States and Poland, as well as Lockheed Martin leadership, to applaud the unveiling of the first Polish F-35 at the company’s plant in Fort Worth, Texas on Wednesday. This marks a significant step in advancing Arkansas’s role in protecting national and allied interests.

“Developing these capabilities side by side is critical to ensuring global security. Now more than ever we can see the advantages of interoperability between partner nations, and this event only furthers the already strong relationship between Poland and the U.S.,” Boozman said. “The Fort Smith community is truly excited to see Polish pilots and jets soon fly in The Natural State.”

In March 2023, the Air Force announced Ebbing Air National Guard Base as home of the foreign military pilot training center. Boozman, along with Arkansas Congressional Delegation members Senator Tom Cotton and Congressman Steve Womack, worked to secure the mission and continue to champion federal investments that enhance both installation and community.

As ranking member of the Senate Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Appropriations Subcommittee, Boozman has shepherded legislation through the Senate allocating funds over multiple years to prepare Ebbing to successfully host the program and allied partners.

In Fiscal Year 2024, Boozman, Cotton, and Womack delivered $83 million to the base and are committed to supporting continued investment in Fiscal Year 2025 and beyond.

Sen. Boozman poses in front of the first Polish F-35 at the Lockheed Martin plant.

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