WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The 104th Fighter Wing in Westfield is expecting to receive the F-35A Lightning II fighter jets, announced in a news release from State Senator John Velis. The 104th Fighter Wing, located at Barnes Air National Guard Base, was selected by the U.S. Department of Defense to receive 18 new F-35A fighter jets in 2026 to replace the aging F-15C and D-model aircraft used by the Air Force. Final environmental study released on replacing aging F-15 aircraft at Barnes ANGB in Westfield The Department of the Air Force and the National Guard Bureau analyzed the potential environmental consequences of receiving the new aircraft the F-15EX or F-35A. A Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was released to the public last month that included studies for noise and project areas in Westfield before a decision was made. “I am beyond thrilled that the Secretary of the Air Force has finalized the assignment of the F-35As to the 104th Fighter Wing, ensuring that the 104th remains a critical piece of our country’s national defense strategy for decades to come. This final signature is the product of the Commonwealth’s steadfast dedication to remain one of the best states in the nation for our service members and families to call home,” said Senator Velis, who is Chairman of the Legislature’s Veterans’ Committee and a Veteran himself. “Through the passage of legislation such as the SPEED Act, and subsequently parts of the HERO Act, Massachusetts has demonstrated to the Department of Defense our commitment to continually surpass all expectations related to our care for service-members and military families and today's announcement is a recognition of that support for our military. “The Department of Defense has made themselves abundantly clear that this decision to assign the F-35 jets to the 104th Fighter Wing, as well any future investments in our Commonwealth’s installations, are directly tied to our state’s work to improve services not only for our service members but also their families as well,” said Senator Velis. “I am beyond proud of the role that the Legislature has been able to play in this decision, and look forward to the transformative investments this will bring to Western Massachusetts and our Commonwealth as a whole.” Local News Headlines F-35A Lighting II fighter jets replacing aging F-15 aircraft at Barnes ANGB in Westfield Is the winter solstice the shortest day of the year? Car collides with tree on Roosevelt Ave. in Springfield Massachusetts serial rapist arrested in West Springfield pled guilty to 30 charges WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.