The U.S. Air National Guard’s Selfridge Air Base in Michigan is set to undergo a major upgrade to its aircraft fleet, with the arrival of 21 Boeing F-15EX Eagle II multirole fighters. This modernization will allow the base to maintain its fighter mission capability following the planned retirement of the A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft.
The announcement was made by former President Donald Trump during a visit to the base, attended by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and other officials.
“As Commander-in-Chief, I’m proud to announce that very soon we’ll be replacing the A-10 Warthogs with 21 brand-new F-15EX Eagle II fighters, the best in the world,” Trump said. “This will keep Selfridge at the forefront of North America’s air power.”
Gretchen Whitmer, a member of the Democratic Party, emphasized the importance of maintaining the fighter mission at Selfridge Air Base. This was especially significant given that the U.S. Air National Guard had previously “bypassed” the base when deciding on the placement of stealthy, multi-role F-35A Lightning II fighters.
“I am very happy that we are here to celebrate the recapitalization of Selfridge,” said Whitmer. “This is very important for Michigan’s economy, for our national security, and for our future.”
It is noted that the F-15EX will begin arriving in the 2028 fiscal year and will be stationed at bases that were previously planned to receive fighter jets. A statement from the governor’s office also mentions that the decision to base the new aircraft does not negate other decisions regarding the deployment of F-15EX in other states but rather serves as an additional measure.
Under the Biden administration, the planned F-15EX fleet was reduced to 98 aircraft. However, this program gained new momentum when the Senate and House Armed Services Committees released an agreement package that includes $150 billion in defense spending for the 2025 fiscal year. Among this, $3.15 billion is allocated for new F-15EXs. This funding may be used to support an additional squadron and increase the aircraft fleet to 125 units.
Thus, the F-15EX will form the backbone of the National Guard Air Force’s fighter fleet alongside the F-35. The aircraft have already been put into service at the National Guard Air Force base in Portland. Additionally, these planes will be stationed at the United States Air Force Reserve base in New Orleans and the airbase in Fresno. Now, Selfridge Air Base will also join this network. Meanwhile, at Eglin Air Force Base, pilots are operating the F-15EX test fleet.
Furthermore, it has been previously reported that Selfridge will also receive a new squadron of KC-46 Pegasus refueling aircraft, as the KC-135 fleet is gradually being phased out. Donald Trump has supported this decision, which was made under the Biden administration.
Source: airandspaceforces
