It's the newest military aircraft taking flight for combat and it could soon be coming to Jacksonville.
"This is the first time in International Guard history, we'll have an opportunity to have one right off the assembly line. And we're talking about 5th generation technology in Jacksonville," says General Joe Balskus.
The new eye in the sky is the Airforce F-35 Fighter. The Florida National Guard is spreading its wings, vying for the new aircraft to be based in Jacksonville at JIA.
The move would bring as many as 1,000 military and civilian jobs.
"The F-35 in Jacksonville, makes for a great fit. We have great personel in our unit. They have shown themselves approved in inspections, overseas missions and deployments. We have great air space for training and great support from the community," says Colonel Brian Simpler.
National Guard Leaders are meeting with folks in surrounding communities.
Monday night's town halll meeting in Brunswick, gave people the chance to ask questions and voice their concerns. Raymond Ganas did his homework before the meeting and like most people, he's in favor of the planes being based in Jacksonville.
"They have the most air space on the East Coast, so they'll mainly be working off shore. They want hurt anything as far as sound. They'll just take off and move off shore," says Brunswick resident, Raymond Ganas.
Besides the economic impact, military leaders say this new generation air craft will fly above the enemy and is an important part of the national defense strategy, putting Jacksonville in the forefront of the most modern military technology.
"This is something being built for the Navy, Marines and our allies, fighting shoulder to shoulder in combat with 21st Century aircrafts," added Balskus.
