Air Force: Luke preferred F-35 training site - Air Force News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Air Force Times

Air Force: Luke preferred F-35 training site

PHOENIX — The Air Force on Thursday recommended Luke Air Force Base as the best site to train pilots on the F-35, the Joint Strike Fighter.

It is not a final decision, because an environmental impact study still needs to be done. But it solidifies Luke as the top choice.

Luke was on a short list of five candidates vying for the next generation of fighter jets. The military reached its decision after surveying each base for feasibility, timing, cost and planning purposes to meet initial operational capability timelines.

Luke supporters hailed the Air Force’s selection of the base, which pumps $2.17 billion annually into Arizona’s economy. The Joint Strike Fighter is viewed as vital to keeping the base in Arizona as it phases out its aging F-16s.

A final decision is expected to be announced next summer.