Duluth City Council Backs Fighter Jet Upgrade

Council members consider a resolution supporting the 148th Fighter Wing in its bid to secure new F-35 aircraft.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Military

Duluth City Council Backs Fighter Jet Upgrade

Live Poll

Should your local city council prioritize supporting military base infrastructure upgrades to boost the regional economy?

The Duluth City Council recently held a hearing to weigh a resolution in support of the 148th Fighter Wing receiving modern F-35 fighter jets. Local officials are advocating for the upgrade to replace the unit’s aging F-16 fleet, which is now over 30 years old.

Why it matters

Proponents argue that securing the F-35 upgrade will enhance national security capabilities while bolstering local employment opportunities. The Air Force is expected to select four finalists for the program in December, making local support critical before the October deadline.

The 148th Fighter Wing currently sustains over 1,000 regional jobs and generates more than $1 million in annual economic impact. The Air Force will select four finalists for the F-35 upgrade program in December.

The players

148th Fighter Wing

An Air National Guard unit based in Duluth that operates F-16 fighter jets and employs over 1,000 people.

Duluth City Council

The local governing body responsible for legislative actions and representational support for city initiatives.

The details

The resolution aims to bolster the regional military presence by supporting a transition from legacy aircraft to more advanced systems. If the unit is ultimately selected, the new F-35 jets would be scheduled for delivery by 2034.

October 22, 2026: City councilors held a hearing to consider the support resolution.
October 26, 2026: The city council is scheduled to conduct a formal vote on the resolution.
October 31, 2026: The deadline for submitting formal letters of support for the base.
December 2026: The Air Force is expected to announce the four finalists for the jet upgrade.
2034: The potential year for delivery if the 148th Fighter Wing is selected.

Political Context

This resolution aligns Duluth with the broader competitive selection phase of the F-35 Lightning II procurement process. Opposition typically centers on the long-term federal funding priorities and the potential environmental or noise impacts of basing new aircraft in civilian-adjacent corridors.

The resolution directly affects local economic stability by seeking to preserve and expand the 1,000 jobs currently tied to the fighter wing. If successful, the move could secure long-term regional tax revenue and infrastructure investment associated with the base.

The takeaway

Securing modernized military assets can be a significant driver for regional economic growth and workforce stability. Local leaders often use formal resolutions to strengthen their position during federal contract or base-upgrade competitions.

What happens next

The Duluth City Council is scheduled to vote on the support resolution on October 26, 2026, followed by the Air Force's selection of four finalists for the F-35 program in December 2026.