WESTFIELD — The Air Force has chosen Massachusetts Air National Guard’s 104th Fighter Wing in Westfield to host a new squadron of F-35A Lightning II fighter jets.

The decision means the unit will retire its 18 aging F-15C and D-model aircraft in favor of stationing the Air Force’s latest and most-capable fifth-generation fighter at Barnes Air National Guard Base, beginning in 2026.

A final decision will be made after environmental impact analyses are completed sometime next year.

Gov. Maura Healey said the action would create new jobs and spur economic development.

“This is a testament to Massachusetts’ strong support for our military, our economic competitiveness, our unmatched education system and our bright future,” Healey said in a statement.

She praised the state’s congressional delegation and the Massachusetts National Guard for their efforts.

“This is a just a good fit,” Air Force Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe, adjutant general of Massachusetts, said in a release. “The 104th has years of experience with the fighter mission at home and abroad, the community is used to fighter operations and provides tremendous support, and the base is perfectly located for defense of the homeland.”

U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, said in a statement the decision to supply Barnes with 18 new jets follows years of advocacy by the Massachusetts congressional delegation, state leadership, the Massachusetts National Guard, and “most importantly, the superb efforts of the dedicated service members at Barnes.”

The unit cost of the fighter jets is estimated at $75 million, according to Air & Space Forces Magazine. Lockheed Martin is the prime F-35 contractor, with principal partners Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems, according to Wikipedia.

“This decision validates the Wing’s exceptional performance,” said Air Force Col. David L. “Moon” Halasikun, 104th commander, noting that the base provides air defense for 40 million Americans in New England and New York.

As part of the selection process, the Air Force looked at F-15C units located in the continental United States. The single-seat F-15C and two-seat F-15D models entered the inventory beginning in 1979. The service has determined these planes are not economically feasible to retain beyond 2026.

“The Air Force is looking out to 2040 and beyond as it builds its future fighter force,” stated Air Force Brig. Gen. Virginia I. Gaglio, commander of the Massachusetts Air National Guard. “We’re very happy the 104th will figure prominently in that mix.”

The Department of Defense considered several contenders from across the country for the new fighter force. State Sen. John Velis, D-Westfield, said legislation enacted last year that he authored, known as the SPEED Act, helped Massachusetts meet some of the criteria DOD was looking for.

The SPEED Act expedites the professional licensing process for military spouses, allows for advanced and virtual enrollment for military children to resolve disruptions in education, and expands benefits and recognitions provided to service members and military families in Massachusetts.

 

“From day one the Department of Defense made it explicitly clear to us that they were looking at how states cared for military families in making this decision, and the SPEED Act ensured that we met and exceeded those criteria,” Velis said in a statement.

With the introduction of the new fighter jets, personnel at Barnes would increase by approximately 80 people, according to the Massachusetts National Guard, including 15 officers and 65 enlisted military members.

 

The Guard said the base and Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport already offer much of the infrastructure needed to accommodate the F-35A. Any construction would begin after final approval by the Secretary of the Air Force, expected in the summer of 2024.

 

Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey released a joint statement praising the action.

“Basing F-35s at Barnes is the right thing to do and good for the people of Massachusetts,” Markey and Warren stated. “This decision enhances our national security, positions the planes at a base more resilient against climate change, and will strengthen our regional economy.”

]]>