FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WLKI) - Indiana's State Budget Committee has approved $1 million to help the Indiana Air National Guard's 122nd Fighter Wing compete to become a future base for F-35A fighter jets.
Indiana Air National Guard Brigadier General Matt Brown told lawmakers the Fort Wayne wing is in a multi-state competition for the next-generation aircraft.
The 122nd is one of nine F-16 wings competing for the designation. Brown said Fort Wayne scores well in performance and readiness but needs infrastructure improvements to remain competitive during final evaluation.
About $517,000 will be used to complete final design work for a revamped squadron operations building. The proposed facility would include a mission-planning cell and secure vault area. The work is intended to position the base for an estimated $8.8 million in future federal construction funding.
Another $500,000 will fund a long-term area development plan outlining future F-35 infrastructure needs. That plan will also address security and logistics concerns related to a Norfolk Southern railroad line that runs through the base area.
Indiana's congressional delegation wrote to the U.S. Air Force in June, urging officials to consider Fort Wayne for two new F-35A units.
A basing decision is expected within the next 18 months. State officials say the investments could position Fort Wayne for F-35 deliveries by 2034.