F-35A Lighting II fighter jets replacing aging F-15 aircraft at Barnes ANGB in Westfield

a new Fleet of F-35 aircraft are coming to Barnes Air National Guard base in Westfield the US Air Force secretary is signing off on the decision early this morning 22 news reporter Nicole buddy joins us live in studio with what we can expect Siara these are the most advanced fighter jets and having aircraft like this in Westfield is set to strengthen the local economy while also allowing service members to soar in National Defense [Music] I I I just can't stress enough this has been a long time coming with a lot of collaboration between federal government state government the local government but it's a good day for Westfield 20 new F-35 aircraft will soon call Barnes National Air Guard base home the US Air Force secretary signing off on the decision Friday morning back in April of last year made that preliminary decision that said that Barnes is the preferred place for these to be f-35s are the most advanced fighter jets in the world giving Pilots an advantage against adversaries assuring the service members can complete their mission and return home safe and the defense department has to visit a lot of prospective sites only to make a determination in the end the new aircraft set to strengthen National Security but also the economy you're going to see any number of Airmen and airwomen at our local shops diners coffee shops supporting the economy the decision also Al securing the future of Barnes as it stays up to date with the needs to defend our nation the expected arrival date for the new aircraft is in 2026 but local officials say it could come sooner in Pilots set to fly the fighter jets are getting trained as we speak working for you Nicole buddy 22 News