New F-35 fighter jets awarded to Air National Guard in Wisconsin

The Air National Guard in Madison, Wisconsin has been awarded a squadron of F-35s, the US Air force announced Wednesday. 

The jets will be placed with the Wisconsin Air National Guard’s 115th Fighter Wing at Traux Field in Madison, Wisconsin and are expected to arrive in late 2023. They will replace the older F-16 aircrafts, allowing the Air Force to meet other requirements for readiness and training. 

While the locating of jets in Madison has been met with some opposition from the community, many are in support of the aircrafts, citing them as an economic development boost ensuring the future of the base in Madison, which employs about 1,200 people, reported Idaho News.

“Through collaboration, I’m confident we will continue to be good stewards of the communities in which we work and live,” said Maj. Gen Paul Knapp, leader of the Wisconsin National Guard. 

Three other bases considered for the jets were in Boise, Idaho; Harrison Township, Michigan; and Jacksonville, Florida.