The F-15EX, the Air Force’s newest fighter aircraft, arrives to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida March 11. The aircraft will be the first Air Force aircraft to be tested and fielded from beginning to end through combined developmental and operational tests. The 40th Flight Test Squadron and the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron personnel are responsible for testing the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/1st Lt. Karissa Rodriguez)

Some of the Air Force’s newest fighter jets are Fresno-bound, with Mayor Jerry Dyer saying they represent an “incredible asset” for the Fresno Air National Guard Base.

The Air Force announced that 18 F-15 EX Strike Eagle fighters will come to Fresno to replace a previous generation of the F-15 jet flown by the 144th Fighter Wing tasked with protecting the West Coast.

The decision to locate the planes at the base near Fresno Yosemite International Airport included “conducting site surveys at each location, assessing the location’s ability to facilitate the mission and infrastructure capacity, while accounting for community support, environmental factors and cost.”

 

“I’m extremely passionate about the 144th Fighter Wing and the pride it brings to Fresno,” said Mayor Jerry Dyer in a statement. “We’ve been happy to advocate for the 144th and we are beyond excited to have this incredible asset added to our base, while also keeping jobs and people here. It’s an honor to have this squadron based in Fresno and defending the entire western United States.”

An environmental impact analysis will be conducted at the base before a final decision is made. The analysis is expected to be completed in spring 2024.