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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