# Germany Begins F-35 Training in Arkansas

Germany’s first F-35A arrived at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas, on October 6, 2026, beginning U.S.-based pilot training for the Luftwaffe under the Foreign Military Sales framework. The arrival advances Germany’s 2022 procurement of 35 aircraft. Although this signal announces no new solicitation or contract value, the program points to continuing requirements for training, maintenance, logistics, infrastructure, and allied interoperability.

- The training activity involves the U.S. Air Force and German Air Force, creating potential supporting work in pilot and maintainer training, sustainment, and base infrastructure.
- Companies supporting F-35 programs can assess capabilities relevant to the established German purchase, including logistics and training support; the signal does not identify a new procurement or proposal deadline.
- The FMS framework and NATO interoperability context make the development relevant to contractors serving allied aircraft programs as well as U.S. defense customers.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** October 07, 2026

### Government Entities
- German Air Force (Luftwaffe)
- U.S. Air Force (USAF)
- 85th Fighter Group
- North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

### Vendors
- Lockheed Martin (F-35A aircraft manufacturer)

### Sources
- [Germany’s First F-35 Fighter Reaches U.S. for Pilot Training as NATO Air Integration Expands](https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/aerospace-news/2026/germanys-first-f-35-fighter-reaches-u-s-for-pilot-training-as-nato-air-integration-expands) - Army Recognition