Military construction bill advances, paving way for T-7 training aircraft

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – A military construction bill passed by the U.S. Senate could mean more than $50 million coming to construction projects at Columbus Air Force Base.

The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill passed the Senate.

The bill includes more than $83 million in federal money for military construction projects in Mississippi, with most of that going to build infrastructure for the T-7A training aircraft slated to come to Columbus Air Force Base.

The T-7 has been chosen to replace the Air Force’s aging fleet of T-38 primary jet trainers.

The T-7 transition isn’t expected to start until 2027 or 2028 at the earliest, but new training and maintenance facilities will need to be in place.

The Military Construction Appropriations bill now moves to a conference committee to work out differences in the Senate and House versions.

For 24/7 news and updates, follow us on Facebook and Twitter