$10M construction project for Singapore's F-35B training in Arkansas

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Singapore is poised to become a member of the global F-35 operator community as it prepares to take delivery of its first Lockheed Martin F-35B fighters later this year. The Republic of Singapore Air Force is slated to receive an initial batch of four F-35B short take-off and vertical landing aircraft before 2026 concludes.

While the aircraft will eventually be based at Tengah Air Base in Singapore around 2029, its initial operational phase will take place in the United States. To facilitate this training and integration, the aircraft will be stationed at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Ark.

In anticipation of the arrival of these advanced jets, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has begun preparing the Ebbing facility.

On Thursday, the Fort Worth District of the USACE issued a "sources sought" synopsis—a market research tool used for preliminary planning—to identify firms capable of constructing a specialized vertical landing pad and connecting taxiway for the F-35B.

According to the documentation, the project requires constructing a landing pad engineered with advanced high-temperature concrete, specifically designed to withstand the exhaust heat generated by the F-35B during vertical landing maneuvers. The scope of work also includes the construction of a taxiway and necessary improvements to existing taxiways, drainage, lighting, and striping.

The USACE estimates the project cost to fall between $5 million and $10 million, with a projected construction duration of 270 days.

While this notice does not constitute a formal solicitation for proposals, the Army anticipates releasing an official contract request in October. Interested contractors have until April 30 to respond to the USACE market survey.

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