F-35 Military Jets are Coming to Madison. Now What?
F-35 military fighter jets are expected to arrive in Madison as early as April. Madison is the second Air National Guard in the nation to receive the military’s newest jets. They’ll be stationed at Truax field, next to the airport and Madison College.
The Wisconsin Air National Guard calls them a “game changer.” The federal F-35 program - the most expensive weapon in US history - was designed to give the military a “Swiss Army knife” jet capable of handling a multitude of missions.
Many others have called them a boondoggle. The jets have been delayed for years, gone over budget, and faced numerous technical problems. The Madison City Council has called on the Secretary of the Air Force to station them elsewhere. Madison residents have raised concerns about the noise and potential health impacts of the jets, as well as their nuclear capabilities.
So what can we expect when these jets arrive?
Retired Air Force Colonel Rosanne Greco knows first-hand what it’s like to live with F-35s. At first, she thought the noise complaints were “wimpy.” Now? Not so much.
Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram!
Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter.
Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Latest Episodes
Ruiz Memorial May Be Gone, But the Protest Isn't Over
The memorial encampment at the intersection of Willy Street and Baldwin was forcibly removed early Tuesday morning by police and city wor...
Madison’s Police Monitor Says MPD Is Obstructing Her Investigation
Nearly two weeks after the fatal police shooting of Corey Ruiz, Madison’s Independent Police Monitor says she still doesn't have the evid...
Your Guide to August 2026 in Madison
How is it already August? We’re not sure, but the City Cast Madison team, along with special guest contributor Emily Winter, has your gui...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One City Beat Restrictive Zoning — Presented By City Cast Madison
Do you know how zoning laws affect Madison’s housing costs? New Haven, CT, has been governed for years by restrictive zoning that made it...
UW Law Professor Weighs In on Corey Ruiz Case. Plus, What’s Next for Act 10?
Madison continues to grapple with the aftermath of a fatal police shooting. Today, Ion Meyn, an associate professor of law at UW-Madison...
Where To Find Coffee and Community in Madison
While we grapple with heavy news in Madison, we have been thinking about how we engage with each other and gather in community. Luckily f...
Milwaukee County Exec. David Crowley's Bid for Wisconsin Governor
The Aug. 11 primary is less than two weeks away! Today, we continue our election coverage as host Bianca Martin sits down with Milwaukee...
Corey Ruiz Shooting Updates, and the Human Toll of Protesting
In the days following the fatal police shooting of Corey Ruiz, the city mobilized in protest in various ways. From shutting down ev...
Andy 'Just a Guy' Manske’s Bid for Wisconsin Governor
With just over two weeks until the Aug. 11 primary, we’re continuing our election coverage. Today, host Bianca Martin sits down with Andy...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: The Trick to Getting People To Volunteer — Presented By City Cast Madison
It’s not a given that every individual will chip in to help their community. In this episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with writer...