‘Arresting system’ work begins at Fort Smith Regional Airport

by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)

Having just completed a $17 million runway extension, Fort Smith Regional Airport officials are now working on adding an almost $18 million “arresting system” on the main runway. Both projects are to prep for the military’s foreign pilot training center at the airport.

Work is also set to begin in early 2024 on expansion of a fire station at the airport to accommodate the new training center.

Ebbing Air National Guard Base, home to the 188th Wing in Fort Smith and co-located with the Fort Smith Regional Airport, was selected in March by the U.S. Air Force to be the long-term pilot training center supporting F-16 and F-35 fighter planes purchased by Singapore, Switzerland, Poland, Germany, Finland and other countries participating in the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Initial estimates are that 1,500 military personnel and family members will be associated with the new center once it is fully operational.

‘Arresting system’ work begins at Fort Smith Regional Airport