The Air Force simultaneously announced Thursday that Luke AFB, Ariz., is the service’s preferred site for the next F-35 training schoolhouse. Luke was picked for the training mission ahead of the other previously announced candidate bases of Boise ANGS, Idaho, Eglin AFB, Fla., Holloman AFB, N.M., and Tucson ANGS, Ariz. Environmental impact studies will continue here as well.
The Air Force's new Aircraft Readiness Unit will maintain and provide Collaborative Combat Aircraft for operations, but won’t serve as a “schoolhouse” teaching fighter pilots how to manage these escort drones.