Formal approval given for Singapore facility work at Ebbing in Fort Smith

While it has been a planned part of the process since 2021, the U.S. Department of State has approved an estimated spend of $353 million to build facilities at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith for the government of Singapore.

The Republic of Singapore will pay the cost, which is related to the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program and the foreign pilot training center in Fort Smith. The authorization, posted Oct. 31, was through the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) of the Department of Defense.

Ebbing in Fort Smith was selected in March 2023 by the U.S. Air Force to be the long-term pilot training center supporting F-35 fighter planes purchased by Singapore, Switzerland, Poland, Germany, Finland, and other countries participating in the FMS program. The base will also house and provide training support for Republic of Singapore F-16s.

The 85th Fighter Group and the 57th Fighter Squadron, both under the Eglin, Fla.-based 33rd Fighter Wing, are based at Ebbing and are responsible for training F-35 pilots. Ebbing is co-located with the Fort Smith Regional Airport. The estimated total cost to complete the training center ranges between $850 million and more than $1.2 billion. Around $600 million in federal funds has been appropriated since 2021 for the center.

Singapore announced in June 2024 it was buying eight additional F-35A jets which are expected to be delivered by 2030. The planes will join the 12 F-35B models – short take off and landing – already ordered by the Asian nation.

According to the DSCA post, Singapore was originally allocated $27 million for engineering, logistics, and other support services to relocate operations to Ebbing. The new allowance bumps the total authorized spending to $353 million.

“This proposed sale will enhance the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a strategic partner that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Asia,” noted the DSCA approval. “The proposed sale will improve Singapore’s capability to maintain operational readiness and interoperability with U.S. and coalition forces. Singapore will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.”

Initial cost estimates of Republic of Singapore facilities provided in May 2024 included an F-35 training center with a cost range of $100 million to $150 million, and an F-16 facility with a cost range of $40 million to $80 million.

Tim Allen, president and CEO of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce and one of the people who helped advocate for the center being in the city, said the DSCA decision is a “progression of a commitment” from Singapore.

“The announcement from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency approving construction and support services at Ebbing Air National Guard Base represents an important and expected next step in the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s decision to permanently base its F-16 and F-35 training mission in Fort Smith,” Allen said in a statement. “This formal action simply continues the progression of a commitment Singapore made that Ebbing ANGB will serve as a long-term home for this international training program.”

“From the beginning, this mission has represented both a strategic partnership and a major economic opportunity for our region,” Allen continued. “Each milestone, like this, underscores Fort Smith’s role in supporting U.S. national security objectives, strengthening cooperation with one of America’s closest allies, and advancing the economic vitality of our community.”

Several questions sent to the U.S. Air Force last week about the Singapore approval, including construction timelines, estimated arrival of Singapore jets, and estimated number of people relocating to Fort Smith when Singapore facilities are fully operational, were not answered by deadline.