Sioux Falls Leaders Lobby Air Force for F-35s
Local officials and legislators are campaigning to bring F-35 fighter jets to the 114th Fighter Wing at Joe Foss Field.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Military
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South Dakota leaders are actively lobbying the Air Force to base fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets in Sioux Falls. The city is competing against eight other Air National Guard bases for one of two available slots.
Why it matters
Securing the new aircraft would ensure the 114th Fighter Wing remains a core part of the national security structure. Supporters also note the F-35 would complement the B-21 Raider bombers currently assigned to Ellsworth Air Force Base.
The South Dakota Air National Guard employs more than 1,000 people and currently operates F-16 block 40 fighter jets. Without the assignment of F-35s, the unit may face a decade-long wait for the retirement of its existing F-16 fleet.
The players
Mike Rounds
He is a United States Senator from South Dakota who is actively lobbying federal officials for the F-35 selection.
John Thune
He serves as a United States Senator from South Dakota and is involved in the campaign to secure the aircraft for the state.
Dusty Johnson
He is a United States Representative for South Dakota and a key advocate for the military base upgrade in Sioux Falls.
Larry Rhoden
He is the Governor of South Dakota and is participating in the official lobbying efforts directed at the Air Force.
114th Fighter Wing
This Air National Guard unit is based at Joe Foss Field and currently operates F-16 fighter jets.
The details
The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce is currently collecting letters of support from local businesses and nonprofits to bolster the bid. Senator Mike Rounds, Senator John Thune, Representative Dusty Johnson, and Governor Larry Rhoden are leading the formal lobbying efforts to the Air Force.
Timeline
Nov. 25: Deadline for the chamber to gather project endorsements.
Early December: Advocacy period for Sioux Falls closes.
In about a decade: Expected retirement of current F-16 fighters.
Political Context
The push to secure F-35s is framed as a strategic move to integrate with the B-21 Raider bomber program at Ellsworth Air Force Base. Critics of such base expansions often emphasize the potential for increased budgetary strain or argue that resources should be prioritized for other regional infrastructure needs rather than aviation upgrades.
The potential selection of the local base would solidify the presence of the 1,000-person strong 114th Fighter Wing within the local economy. A successful bid ensures long-term operational stability for the unit and preserves high-skilled jobs currently anchored to the Sioux Falls Regional Airport.
The takeaway
Lobbying efforts by local business and political leaders aim to ensure that Sioux Falls maintains its role in future national defense. Citizens can support the initiative by providing endorsements through local chamber channels before the early December deadline.
Further reading
For more information on defense operations in the state, visit the Military section.
More information
To submit your support for the base selection, visit the Chamber F-35 support endorsement form.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sioux Falls Live.
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