KELOLAND

South Dakota leaders say Sioux Falls is the perfect place for fighter jets.  The state's Congressional delegation wants the U.S. Air Force to select Joe Foss Field as the next base of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.  The Air Force will not make a decision until next year. The soonest we would see any planes would be in 2022.

You may have already seen F-16 planes performing touch and go maneuvers at the Air National Guard 114th Fighter Wing.  Less than a decade from now, you could see F-35 Joint Strike Fighter jets also land here.

"Being able to get the F-35 stationed at Joe Foss Field would provided stability for that unit and I believe give us the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the excellence we have always provided in keeping this country safe," Rep. Kristi Noem, (R) South Dakota, said.

Noem, Senator John Thune, and Senator Mike Rounds all sent a letter to Secretary of the Air Force Deborah James, outlining why Sioux Falls is a perfect place for this unit.  It will initially be divided into two different bases. Thune says the 114th Wing already has the infrastructure, buildings, and everything else to make it a contender.

"We have a great many assets to offer.  Uncongested airspace, access to training, low altitude and super sonic speeds.  8,000 feet of runways with cables. All things necessary," Thune, (R) South Dakota, said.

"We wanted to remind the Air Force it would be wonderful to consider bedding these bombers when they come into the country and are ready to be activated," Noem said.

Thune says these will beef up our military readiness, but that is not all.

"If you're a South Dakota taxpayer, having this unit, having the F-35 housed there is something that's good for the economy.  It creates jobs.  It grows our economy," Thune said.

The F-35 program is considered by many to be one of the most expensive fighter plane projects in US military history.  The cost per plane is between $110 to $133 million, according to several government studies. 

The military ordered more than 2,400 of the planes since 2007.  The military is expected to spend more than $395 billion on the F-35 by the time all the planes are in use.  The U.S. is not the only country using the F-35 - just this week Italy added the fighter to its fleet.  In all, ten countries use or plan to use the F-35.