Fort Smith Chamber Highlights Air Base Expansion

The city looks to future economic growth tied to the Ebbing Air National Guard Base training mission.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Economic Indicators

Isometric editorial illustration of a modular hangar and steel construction framework, representing regional infrastructure development for aviation training. — The Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce is focusing on the economic growth driven by the expansion of Ebbing Air National Guard Base. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe major military base expansions provide long-term economic benefits to your local community?

The Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce gathered 780 attendees to discuss ongoing economic development, specifically the expansion of the Ebbing Air National Guard Base. The site currently serves as the center for a Foreign Military Sales training mission involving F-35 fighter jets.

Why it matters

The massive investment at Ebbing Air National Guard Base positions Fort Smith as a critical hub for international military training. This initiative aims to support global partners like Poland as they integrate F-35 jets into their defense fleets.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is constructing a $74 million, 44,000-square-foot academic training center that will house four F-35 flight simulators. Total project investment is expected to grow as additional nations join the mission.

The players

Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce

This organization represents over 1,250 members and drives regional economic development strategies.

U.S. Air Force

The military branch responsible for the Ebbing Air National Guard Base training mission.

John Boozman

A U.S. Senator who helped secure federal funding for the regional base expansion.

Tom Cotton

A U.S. Senator involved in the legislative efforts to support military projects in Arkansas.

Steve Womack

A U.S. Representative who worked to secure federal support for the Fort Smith facility.

The details

The facility development is funded through a combination of international investment and federal support, including a $141 million infusion announced in 2025. This infrastructure will sustain training for countries like Poland, which has already purchased 32 F-35 aircraft.

The U.S. Air Force selected Ebbing Air National Guard Base for the training mission in 2023.
Federal funding of $141 million was announced in May 2025.
Groundbreaking for the academic training center occurred on May 6, 2026.
The annual Chamber of Commerce meeting took place on October 22, 2026.
Chamber of Commerce leaders are targeting specific business and investment goals for 2027.

Macro View

This development follows the trajectory of the Foreign Military Sales program, which facilitates the export of advanced U.S. defense technology. By centralizing training, Fort Smith mirrors historical efforts to build long-term defense partnerships through shared infrastructure.

The influx of federal and international investment is expected to stimulate regional job growth and support long-term economic stability in the area. Local businesses may see increased demand as the training mission expands and attracts more personnel to the city.

The takeaway

The expansion at Ebbing Air National Guard Base serves as a major engine for growth in the local economy. Investors and residents should track the 2027 development targets to understand the full scale of the regional impact.