Selfridge Air Nationwide Guard Base to get new F-15EX fighter jets, Trump says

HARRISON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WXYZ) — President Donald Trump introduced that Selfridge Air Nationwide Guard Base in Harrison Township will probably be getting 21 new F-15EX fighter jets.

“As commander and chief, I’m proud to announce that very quickly, we are going to change the retiring A-10 Warthogs with 21 brand-new F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets. The very best on this planet,” Trump mentioned.

FULL SPEECH: President Trump speaks at Selfridge Air Nationwide Guard Base

FULL SPEECH: President Donald Trump pronounces Selfridge Air Nationwide Guard Base to get new F-15EX fighter jets

The announcement got here because the president spoke at Selfridge earlier than heading to a rally in Warren on Tuesday afternoon. He was greeted by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Home Speaker Matt Corridor and others.

The F-15EX is constructed by Boeing, and the corporate mentioned the fighter jet “will function a spine for any tactical fighter fleet – right this moment and into the long run.”

“This can hold Selfridge on the slicing fringe of Northern American airpower,” Trump mentioned. “That is an thrilling time for the USA navy.”

The information comes on the heels of Trump saying throughout an Oval Workplace assembly earlier this month that he was working with the state to maintain Selfridge “open, sturdy, thriving.”

“It is a enormous, bipartisan win for Michigan, a long time within the making, that may develop our financial system and make our nation safer,” mentioned Gov. Gretchen Whitmer mentioned in an announcement. “Since day one, I’ve been laser-focused on securing a brand new fighter mission at Selfridge and supporting the courageous service members who step up for our communities daily. I respect the President’s partnership on this new fighter mission that may shield jobs and present the world that Michigan is the perfect place to pioneer the following improvements in nationwide protection.”

Trump thanked Whitmer for bringing points at Selfridge to his consideration.

“I’m not supposed to try this — she’s a Democrat,” Trump mentioned. “She’s carried out an excellent job, frankly. She was very a lot concerned with the Republicans. They labored collectively on saving it. It was not simple. So, I wish to thanks very a lot, Gretchen. Good job. Thanks.”

The senators highlighted Selfridge’s proximity to coaching ranges, airspace and coaching workout routines.

Hear extra from Sen. Gary Peters within the video beneath

Sen. Gary Peters talks concerning the significance of Selfridge Air Nationwide Guard Base

Over the previous few years, many leaders all through Michigan have advocated for Selfridge to get a brand new fighter wing. Final yr, U.S. Sen. Gary Peters introduced that Selfridge would host a brand new squadron of KC-46A refueling tankers.

The U.S. Air Power is predicted to start phasing out the A-10s beginning subsequent yr after which the KC-135s beginning in 2027.

Watch beneath: Selfridge chosen to host new squadron of KC-46A refueling planes

Selfridge chosen to host new squadron of KC-46A refueling planes

The KC-46A tankers will change the “getting older squadron” of KC-135 plane, and they’re going to go from eight KC-135s to 12 KC-46As, which implies extra personnel on the base as nicely.

“That is the brand new state-of-the-art plane. It has higher capabilities, superior expertise, it is extra survivable. That is an plane that is going to be flying for the plane for 50 years,” Peters mentioned in January 2024.

Michigan was considered one of 10 states that hoped to get considered one of two KC-46A squadrons.

In 2021, the U.S. Air Power handed over Selfridge as the placement for the F-35 Lightning II coaching heart for international navy gross sales members. As a substitute, Ebbing Air Nationwide Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas, was chosen.

Selfridge was additionally handed over in April 2020 to be a base for the F-35A Lightning II.

The bottom opened in 1917, and it is dwelling to the 127th Wing. Main plane on the base embrace the A-10 Thunderbolt II and KC-135 Stratotanker of the Michigan Air Nationwide Guard, CH-47 Chinook helicopters for the Michigan Military Nationwide Guard, HH-65 Dolphin helicopter for the U.S. Coast Guard and a wide range of different helicopters and fixed-wing plane for Customs & Border Safety.