$80 Million Secured for Kingsley Field F-35 Training Center
Funding included in President Trump’s proposed budget for new academic training facility in Klamath Falls
Congressman Cliff Bentz announced that $80 million for a new F-35 Academic Training Center at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls has been included in the President’s proposed 2027 federal budget.
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — Congressman Cliff Bentz announced that the President’s proposed 2027 federal budget includes $80 million for construction of a new F-35 Formal Training Unit Academic Training Center at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls.
According to Bentz’s office, the funding would support Kingsley Field’s transition from the F-15C aircraft to the F-35A Lightning II. The proposed Academic Training Center would be used to support training for U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard personnel.
The investment is intended to help establish infrastructure for classroom and academic instruction associated with the F-35 training mission. Kingsley Field has been identified as a key site for pilot training as the base prepares for the aircraft transition.
“Kingsley Field has long been one of the most important cornerstones of our nation’s air defense,” Bentz said. “This $80 million investment in an F-35 Academic Training Center recognizes that those at Kingsley are training the best fighter pilots in the world and also reflects our nation’s commitment to maintaining the highest level of national security.”
The funding is included as a line item in the President’s proposed budget and would still be subject to congressional approval as part of the federal appropriations process.
Kingsley Field, located in Klamath Falls, serves as a training base for fighter pilots and is scheduled to transition to the F-35A aircraft in the coming years.
Cover image: A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to Luke Air Force Base flies over the skies of Southern Oregon, May 17, 2023 on a mission with the 173rd Fighter Wing assigned to Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon. The 173rd Fighter Wing was selected as the Air Force's preferred location to host a F-35A Lightning II formal training unit; the wing will begin converting form the F-15C Eagle to the F-35A following the completion of the environmental impact analysis. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy)
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