Fort Smith’s F-35 Economic Impact Tops $1 Billion

Fort Smith’s connection to the F-35 fighter jet program is paying off — literally.

 

City officials estimate the economic impact has now topped $1 billion, driven by a mix of manufacturing, education, and logistics investments.

 

Building an Aerospace Hub

 

The Fort Smith region has become one of the most important aerospace manufacturing corridors in the South.

 

Local companies supply materials and precision parts for F-35s, while the Ebbing Air National Guard Base trains pilots and maintenance crews for allied nations.

 

Jobs and Training

 

This ecosystem supports hundreds of high-skill jobs and has drawn new families and professionals to the River Valley.

 

Programs at the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith and nearby technical schools now tailor coursework for defense and aeronautics careers.

 

National and Global Reach

 

When allied countries buy F-35s, many of the benefits flow back to Fort Smith. It’s a success story that connects local workers to a worldwide mission.

 

The Takeaway

 

Fort Smith isn’t just part of Arkansas’s story — it’s helping shape the future of aerospace and defense on a global scale.