Lockheed Martin says it will be expanding its Fort Smith, Ark., operations at the Ebbing Air National Guard Base. The expansion will more than double the number of positions at Ebbing ANGB to 230, with hiring ongoing for the new openings, according to a news release.
The workforce is expected to expand from the initial planned 110 positions to 230 within the next 12-18 months. Some of the new positions will be in aircraft mechanics, IT specialists, logistics coordinators and security personnel.
“This expansion reflects Lockheed Martin’s enduring commitment to supporting our customers’ missions and ensuring readiness through world-class sustainment and training solutions,” Lockheed Martin’s Site Lead Heidi Moore said in the release. “Our team is proud to establish Ebbing as a trusted, premier F-35 training hub for Foreign Military Sales partners, delivering the reliability, affordability, and performance our customers expect.”
Ebbing ANGB currently hosts an international F-35 training center that supports the United States Air Force and its Foreign Military Sales Pilot Training Program, led by Lockheed Martin’s team.
“This expansion by Lockheed Martin is a tremendous win for Fort Smith and the entire region,” Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tim Allen said. “The FMS Pilot Training Program is transformational for our community, bringing high-quality jobs, international investment, and long-term economic growth. Partnerships with world-class companies like Lockheed Martin, alongside the United States Air Force, demonstrate the strength of our workforce and the strategic importance of Ebbing ANGB on the global stage.”