October 28, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 28, 2026
Contact: press@michigan.gov
Gov. Whitmer, Federal, State, and Local Leaders Break Ground on $152 Million Selfridge Runway Project to Support Future Fighter and Tanker Missions
Infrastructure improvements will advance Selfridge as multibillion‑dollar economic engine, position Michigan as a leader in national defense
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, officials from the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), federal, state, and local elected officials, and community stakeholders broke ground on the $152 million Selfridge Air National Guard Base runway project. This investment represents a significant milestone in preparing the installation for its future F-15EX Eagle II fighter aircraft and KC-46 Pegasus tanker missions.
The bipartisan project, which was funded earlier this year, will realign and expand the runway at Selfridge, strengthening the installation’s infrastructure to accommodate its next generation of aircraft and reinforcing the base’s long-term role in national defense and Michigan’s economy.
“Selfridge is essential to our national defense, our economy, and the communities that surround it,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “This groundbreaking marks another important step in preparing the base for its next generation of missions. I’m proud to have worked with leaders at every level to support the men and women who serve, strengthen Michigan’s role in our nation’s defense, and secure Selfridge’s future. Let’s continue working together to solve big problems and keep Selfridge strong.”
The runway improvements are a critical part of the infrastructure upgrades needed to bring home Selfridge’s future missions. The Michigan National Guard’s 127th Wing is preparing to transition from the A-10 Thunderbolt II to the F-15EX Eagle II, which was announced in April 2025, and from the KC-135 Stratotanker to the KC-46 Pegasus, strengthening the installation’s future airpower and aerial refueling capabilities.
“Breaking ground on this project represents a significant investment in the future of Selfridge and the military readiness it provides to our state and nation,” said U.S. Army Major General Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the DMVA. “Through strong partnerships among state, federal and local leaders, we are advancing the critical infrastructure needed to support the F-15EX Eagle II and KC-46 Pegasus missions and ensure Selfridge remains a vital part of our nation’s defense.”
The runway project is part of a broader infrastructure effort at Selfridge that includes the relocation and reconstruction of a portion of William P. Rosso Highway between Interstate 94 and Jefferson Avenue. The highway project supports infrastructure changes associated with the base’s future mission requirements and includes roadway realignment, drainage improvements, and related modifications.
Together, these projects reflect continued collaboration among the state, Macomb County, and military partners to prepare Selfridge for its future missions while supporting the installation’s long-term operation and crucial role in the regional economy.
Selfridge Background
Selfridge contributes an estimated $850 million to Michigan’s economy, supporting 30,000 jobs statewide and over 5,000 members of the Air and Army National Guard and Reserve components. It is home to units from every U.S. Armed Service except Space Force, as well as homeland security operations by Customs and Border Protection.
Selfridge supports Michigan’s defense industry, which contributes $30 billion to the state’s economy and supports approximately 166,000 jobs. It directly supports other military installations in Michigan, such as Camp Grayling, the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, and the Detroit Arsenal, among others. 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. The new F-15EX mission at Selfridge builds on the successful, bipartisan effort to secure a new KC-46A tanker mission at the base, which was announced in January 2024.
Advocating for Selfridge
Since day one, Governor Whitmer has been laser-focused on winning a game-changing new fighter mission at Selfridge to support Michigan’s defense industry and protect our national security:
Growing Michigan’s Defense Industry
Governor Whitmer has worked hard to grow Michigan’s defense industry, create good-paying jobs, and build more cars, chips, drones, and batteries right here in Michigan.
About the 127th Wing
A powerhouse of air dominance and strategic agility, the Michigan National Guard’s 127th Wing operates both the A-10 Thunderbolt II and KC-135 Stratotanker flying missions, set to convert to the F-15EX Eagle II and KC-46 Pegasus, respectively in the next five to seven years. The 127th Wing stands as the only Air National Guard unit to host a military installation, Selfridge Air National Guard Base. With more than 1,400 elite Airmen, 45 mission partners from five of the six branches of the military and the Department of Homeland Security, the 127th Wing defends the homeland and fuels global missions with unmatched versatility and readiness. For more information, please visit 127th Wing.
About Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
The Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) synchronizes strategic, legislative and fiscal initiatives to build and sustain military readiness, care and advocacy for veterans and cultivate purposeful partnerships. Branch operations include Michigan Veteran Homes, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, Michigan Youth Challenge Academy, Army National Guard and Air National Guard which stand in support of our mission to serve every member. For more information, please visit: Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
###
Author:
