Posted: Aug 1, 2012 1:03 PM
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) - Glendale officials say the Department of Defense has chosen Luke Air Force Base for the new training center for F-35 fighter jets.
Representatives with Luke's 56th Fighter Wing scheduled a news conference Wednesday afternoon to talk about the Air Force's decision.
The 71-year-old base in west Glendale was competing with bases in Tucson, New Mexico and Idaho for the F-35 mission.
City officials say the Air Force will station 72 F-35s for the training of both U.S. and foreign pilots.
Luke has long been the training ground for F-16 pilots. The F-35 is intended to eventually replace the aging F-16.
Glendale officials say Luke could receive up to $125 million in federal funds for construction-related projects and the F-35s could arrive as early as next year.
Image courtesy STAFF SGT. BRAD FALLIN via Wikimedia
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