$80 Million Secured for Kingsley Field F-35 Training Center
The President’s proposed 2027 federal budget includes $80 million for construction of a new F-35 Academic Training Center at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls. The funding, announced by Congressman Cliff Bentz, would support the base’s transition from the F-15C to the F-35A Lightning II and expand academic training infrastructure for U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard personnel. The project is aimed at strengthening pilot training capabilities while reinforcing Kingsley Field’s long-term role in national defense and regional economic activity.