Michigan – Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s tireless campaigning led to significant success for Michigan’s defense industry and the local economy. The announcement that Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County would host a new fighter mission signals a turning point for Michigan’s military readiness as well as its economy.
Starting in Fiscal Year 2028, President Biden and the Department of Defense’s strategic decision will bring around 20 F-15EX fighter jets to the facility. Adding the F-15EX mission in addition to the already declared KC-46A tanker mission will not only strengthen national security but also protect many Michigan jobs.
Governor Whitmer hailed the decision as a great victory for Michigan that improves national defense as well as the state’s economic future.
“This is a huge, bipartisan win for Michigan, decades in the making, that will grow our economy and make our country safer,” said Governor Whitmer.
Focusing on obtaining a new fighter mission for Selfridge, Whitmer underlined that this success is the outcome of years of unrelenting effort at all levels of government. The base was on course to lose its A-10 fighter role without this new mission, which would have meant the loss of vital jobs and almost $30 million in wages for the state.
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Selfridge’s new fighter mission will help Michigan’s strong $30 billion defense sector. Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II claims the news will create and keep good employment, hence enhancing the state’s national leadership in defense.
“Supporting the thousands of servicemembers at Selfridge Air National Guard Base is one of our top priorities,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Today’s historic announcement will create and retain good-paying jobs, grow Michigan’s $30 billion defense industry, and ensure Selfridge thrives for decades to come. Let’s keep Standing Tall for Selfridge.”
Long a key component of Michigan’s military infrastructure, Selfridge has added over $850 million to the state’s economy. With people from almost every department of the U.S. military, the base supports more than 30,000 employment statewide. It has been a turning point for fighter jets such as the F-16 and A-10; now, with the arrival of the F-15EX, it will keep playing major role in the defense of the country.
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Governor Whitmer’s support of Selfridge started soon after she took office in 2019. Over the years that followed, she worked relentlessly to replace the A-10 mission, which was about to be retired.
Her work included state-level funding meant to improve Selfridge’s infrastructure as well as personal pleas to federal defense authorities and the Trump administration. Apart from the additional fighter mission, Whitmer obtained millions of dollars for base facilities upgrades, which would help it keep its place as an important military hub.
Michigan not only improves its defense industry as it advances with this new goal but also helps local communities, military families, and the broader economy. This momentous event guarantees Selfridge stays a cornerstone of Michigan’s military readiness, hence supporting the defense of the country for decades to come.