F-35 Training Center Set for New Jersey | Jersey News

Jersey City News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 16, 2026 · 1m

The U.S. military is investing heavily in South Jersey to future-proof its air defense, unveiling a $10 million fighter pilot training center in Atlantic County alongside a $68 million hangar upgrade for the 177th Fighter Wing — a National Guard unit with roots dating back to 1917. Designed to prep pilots for next-gen F-35s, the move underscores urgency as aging F-16s near retirement and the F-35 program looms as the most expensive weapons system ever built — potentially costing over $2 trillion over its lifetime. This expansion aims to safeguard major East Coast cities from emerging threats…