F15-EX Fighter Mission Announced at Selfridge Maintains Michigan’s Defense Legacy and Leadership

New mission coming in FY28 of approximately 20 F15-EXs caps years of bipartisan advocacy and demonstrates Michigan’s national leadership in defense and aerospace

Michigan’s Arsenal of Innovation, supported by the Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation, includes five major Michigan National Guard installations, university research, and nearly 4,000 businesses across the state

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers and Governor Gretchen Whitmer

Michigan is securing a “game-changing” new mission of F15-EX fighters at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, as announced by Governor Whitmer’s office on Tuesday. The Boeing aircraft, which entered service in July 2024, is expected to replace the remaining F15C/D fighters in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard. With its legacy of serving F-16s and A-10s, Selfridge is well equipped to support a fighter mission, which includes not just aircraft but also auxiliary and support staff and materials.

This news builds on the successful, bipartisan effort to secure a new KC-46A tanker mission at the base, which was announced in January 2024, and Michigan’s long-standing leadership in the defense sector with the help and support of the Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI).

“As the Arsenal of Democracy and a critical pillar of our nation’s defense and aerospace strength, Michigan is proud to welcome the F15-EX fighter mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base,” said Col. John Gutierrez, executive director of ODAI. “This mission will further elevate Michigan’s standing as a leader in the defense and aerospace industry. From advanced manufacturing and cutting-edge research and development to our world-class talent, Michigan offers a unique ecosystem that supports the evolving needs of our national security. At ODAI, we remain committed to amplifying these strengths, fostering innovation, and cultivating strategic partnerships to ensure Michigan continues to lead at the forefront of our nation's defense industry.”

ODAI supports a defense industry that contributes $30 billion in economic activity for Michigan, with more than 166,000 jobs and nearly 4,000 Michigan businesses serving the defense, defense aerospace, and homeland security industries.

“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 at the time of the announcement. “Since day one, I’ve been laser-focused on securing a new fighter mission at Selfridge and supporting the brave service members who step up for our communities every day. I appreciate the President’s partnership on this new fighter mission that will protect jobs and show the world that Michigan is the best place to pioneer the next innovations in national defense. Because of our tireless work with partners on the ground in Macomb County and on both sides of the aisle, the future of Selfridge is bright, lasting, and secure. I’ll keep working with anyone to get things done on the kitchen-table issues and make a real difference for Michigan families.”

“Supporting the thousands of servicemembers at Selfridge Air National Guard Base is one of our top priorities,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “[This] 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.”

This game-changing announcement builds on recent advances for Michigan’s defense industry, including:

In February 2025, Gov. Whitmer kicked off a historic mission to the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain to engage with global partners and showcase Michigan’s defense and aerospace industry leadership.

In October 2024, Saab announced a new $75 million facility in Grayling Township, which will create 70 high-quality local jobs, increase domestic manufacturing, and strengthen our national defense. Earlier this month, the company celebrated its groundbreaking, demonstrating exciting progress in bringing this opportunity to life in Northern Michigan.

In July 2024, the MEDC and Michigan National Guard announced an “Infrastructure for Innovation” agreement to make relevant critical infrastructure available to entrepreneurs so they can advance and test their ideas.

In April 2024, Gov. Whitmer announced the formation of ODAI, building on the storied legacy of the Michigan Defense Center.

Learn more about Michigan’s defense industry.