News Release

FORT WAYNE — U.S. Rep. Jim Banks said in a news release that he has successfully helped with the transition of F-16s at the Fort Wayne Air National Guard Base

The FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act included language retiring 21 A-10 aircraft at the Fort Wayne Air National Guard Base and replacing them with F-16 aircraft.

Banks met with Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall earlier this year to discuss the A-10 to F-16 transition and the important role Fort Wayne plays for the USAF.

“As the only member of Congress from Indiana on the Armed Services Committee in the House or the Senate, facilitating the transition from A-10s to F-16s at the 122nd Fighter Wing has been one of my top priorities since I first arrived on Capitol Hill. This is great news for Fort Wayne and provides certainty that the 122nd Fighter Wing will remain operational for a long time to come,” Banks said.

Additionally, with our allies in Slovakia set to receive a fleet of F-16s in 2024, this transition will continue to strengthen the Indiana–Slovakia National Guard Partnership. I want to thank Republican Ranking Member Mike Rogers for working with me to secure this important amendment.”