Military Exercise Means $3.4 Million for Salina

There are over 3.4 million reasons why a recently completed military exercise in Salina was a success. According to the Salina Airport Authority, the recently completed Jaded Thunder military training exercise made an estimated direct $3,437,600 impact on the Salina economy.

Jaded Thunder attracted 1,300 members of the United States military to Salina for two weeks of training. Over 30 military aircraft from across the country used the Salina Regional Airport during the event that occurred at the Smoky Hill Weapons Range which is located to the southwest of the Salina Airport.

“The combination of excellent training venues at the Smoky Hill Weapons Range and the capabilities of the Salina Regional Airport make Salina a good choice for aviation units from all branches of the military for training” said Salina Airport Authority executive director Tim Rogers.

During Jaded Thunder, military units leased 163,000 square feet of hangar space, purchased over 400,000 gallons of jet fuel, occupied 818 hotels rooms and rented over 140 rental cars. Over 15 local vendors and businesses provided support services to Jaded Thunder participants.

Visit Salina executive director, Sylvia Rice, commented, “Salina hotels were full and our restaurants stayed busy. Salina is a military friendly community that appreciates those who serve our country.”

Daily, a wide variety of military aviation units use the Smoky Hill Weapons Range and Salina Regional Airport to train for missions critical to the defense of the United States of America. Residents of Salina will continue to see military aircraft in the skies over Salina in smaller numbers as units prepare to fulfill their assigned missions.