BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Mountain Home Air Force Base is among the finalists to host the next generation of combat jet fighters.

Idaho's congressional leaders announced the news Thursday that Mountain Home Air Force Base in southern Idaho is among the top five locations for up to three squadrons for the F-35 joint strike fighter.

The Idaho Air National Guard in Boise has also qualified to host training and support missions.

The Air Force considered 205 bases in its initial selection round. Other finalists for the fighter squadrons include Hill Air Force Base in Utah and Luke Air Force Base in Arizona.

The F-35 is a replacement for the F-16 with initial deployment scheduled for 2013.