Today marks a significant victory for Michigan as Governor Whitmer announced the successful effort to secure a vital New Aircraft Fighter mission for Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County. This development is poised to substantially benefit the state’s economy, bolster its position in national security, and ensure the base’s future for decades to come, bringing the advanced F-15EX Eagle II to Michigan skies.
Strategic Basing Decision Brings F-15EX to Selfridge
In a move highlighting years of persistent bipartisan advocacy, President Biden has made a Strategic Basing Decision to station approximately 20 F-15EXs at Selfridge. These state-of-the-art New Aircraft Fighter jets are scheduled to begin arriving in Fiscal Year 2028. This decision is additive and does not impact F-15EX basing plans in other states. The arrival of the F-15EX complements the KC-46A Pegasus tankers already slated for bed down at the base.
Governor Whitmer emphasized the importance of this achievement, calling it “a huge, bipartisan win for Michigan, decades in the making, that will grow our economy and make our country safer.” She highlighted her continuous focus since 2019 on securing a new fighter mission to replace the retiring A-10s, which was critical to preventing the loss of significant jobs and wages at the base.
Protecting Jobs and Bolstering Michigan’s Defense Industry
The successful effort to bring this new aircraft fighter mission to Selfridge is seen as crucial for protecting existing jobs and creating new opportunities. Selfridge Air National Guard Base currently supports over 5,000 military and civilian jobs and contributes an estimated $850 million annually to Michigan’s economy. The loss of the A-10 mission without a replacement would have jeopardized approximately $30 million in wages alone.
Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II echoed the sentiment, stating that the announcement “will create and retain good-paying jobs, grow Michigan’s $30 billion defense industry, and ensure Selfridge thrives for decades to come.” This mission is vital for keeping expert talent, including pilots and maintenance personnel experienced with world fighter aircraft, within the state.
Bipartisan Collaboration Delivers Results
The outcome is a testament to sustained, unified advocacy across state, federal, and local levels, involving officials from both major political parties.
Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel described it as a “historic moment in Selfridge’s more than 100-year history,” crediting years of collaboration with the Governor, legislative delegation, and local partners.
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, thanked Governor Whitmer for her leadership in securing critical infrastructure improvements needed for the new mission. He noted that the selection proves “Michigan will continue to be a leader in national defense.”
Other local leaders, including Macomb County Board of Commissioners Chair Joe Sabatini and Public Works Commissioner Candice S. Miller, also celebrated the decision, emphasizing Selfridge’s role as a cornerstone of the local economy and a critical national defense asset along the northern border.
State Sen. Kevin Hertel, who represents the base, highlighted the cooperative effort among legislative colleagues, the Governor, and the congressional delegation. He underscored the importance of securing state funding for infrastructure improvements to support the new endeavor.
Kelley Lovati, president and CEO of the Macomb County Chamber, pointed out that the new mission positions Selfridge and Macomb County for “continued growth, innovation and leadership in national defense.” Harrison Township Supervisor Ken Verkest emphasized that Selfridge is a vital regional and statewide asset, and a new fighter mission helps ensure its future.
The Selfridge Base Community Council President, Jonathan Vandenbossche, expressed thrill at securing a follow-on fighter mission, especially one complementing the new KC-46 refueling squadron. He stressed Selfridge’s crucial role in state and national defense. The F-15EX represents a significant leap in the capabilities available, standing among the latest generations of fighter aircraft.
Selfridge Base Background and Advocacy Efforts
Selfridge Air National Guard Base is a cornerstone of Michigan’s defense infrastructure. Beyond its over 5,000 personnel, it hosts units from nearly every U.S. Armed Service and supports homeland security operations. It is intrinsically linked to Michigan’s broader defense industry, which contributes $30 billion to the state’s economy and supports approximately 166,000 jobs. The base directly supports other key military installations across the state. With a strong legacy of operating various aircraft, including the A-10 and previously F-16s, Selfridge possesses the necessary infrastructure and skilled personnel to support a complex [multi-role fighter aircraft](https://shocknaue.com/10-best-multi-role-fighter-aircraft-in-the-world/) mission like the F-15EX.
Securing this new aircraft fighter mission has been a key focus for Governor Whitmer since taking office. Her administration’s advocacy included direct communication with top defense officials:
- July 13, 2022: Wrote to the Secretary of the Air Force to reiterate commitment and remove obstacles.
- July 27, 2022: Spoke to the Deputy Secretary of Defense advocating for a fighter mission.
- November 16, 2022: Sent a follow-up letter to the Secretary of the Air Force.
- December 2, 2022: Met with the Deputy Secretary of Defense to advocate for the mission.
Aerial view of Selfridge Air National Guard Base, site of the new F-15EX fighter mission
Conclusion
The announcement that Selfridge Air National Guard Base will receive the F-15EX new aircraft fighter mission marks a pivotal moment for Michigan. It solidifies the base’s future, protects thousands of jobs, strengthens the state’s vital defense industry, and enhances national security capabilities. This outcome underscores the effectiveness of sustained, bipartisan advocacy and positions Selfridge as a premier installation for modern military aviation.
