The Alabama Air National Guard will be adding the F-35A fighter jet, state officials announced Thursday afternoon.
The 187th Fighter Wing will have the fighters added at Dannelly Field in Montgomery, officials said.
What a historic day for Alabama & the River Region! It has been confirmed that the 187th Fighter Wing at Dannelly Field in Montgomery has been chosen for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Mission. I could not be prouder of the men & women of the 187th. This is a BIG deal. pic.twitter.com/IJwWU6gCyS
— Rep. Martha Roby (@RepMarthaRoby) December 21, 2017
U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby called the announcement a "true testament to Alabama's work in the defense sector."
The Air Force plans to use the F-35A to replace aging F-16 and A-10 aircraft.
The F-35 is made by Lockheed Martin.
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