President Trump was joined by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and senior military leaders, including U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers and U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Daniel J. Kramer II. Addressing around 300 Airmen and media, they confirmed the strategic basing decision for the new aircraft.
“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. “Since day one, I’ve been laser-focused on securing a new fighter mission at Selfridge and supporting the brave Servicemembers who step up for our communities every day.”
The announcement ends years of uncertainty following the Air Force’s retirement of the A-10, which began in 2022. In 2024, Selfridge was named the preferred site for the KC-46A Pegasus mission, raising concerns about the future of its fighter role.
“Divesting the aging A-10 fleet and KC-135s and replacing them with the KC-46 ensure Selfridge ANGB has an enduring and modern mission that meets the requirements of the National Defense Strategy,” the Air Force stated in its January 2024 release.
The A-10 mission at Selfridge, operated by the 107th Fighter Squadron and maintained by the 127th Maintenance Group, replaced F-16 aircraft in 2009. The transition was completed ahead of schedule in 2011, with full certification by the Air Force in just 2.5 years.
“For 15 years we’ve flown the A-10 with pride and unmatched skill and will continue to do so until the very last flight,” said Brig. Gen. Matthew Brancato, commander of the 127th Wing and Selfridge ANGB. He noted the base’s long-standing fighter heritage, dating back over 50 years.
Since adopting the “fighter” designation in 1972, the 107th FS has operated five different fighter and attack aircraft, including the F-100 Super Sabre, A-7D Corsair II, F-101 Voodoo, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and A-10 Thunderbolt II. The upcoming conversion to the F-15EX continues a history of adaptability and mission readiness.
“This milestone is the result of years of dedication and advocacy and we are deeply grateful to the President, Governor Whitmer, our congressional delegation and our military leadership for helping make it happen,” Brancato added. “Their efforts have ensured not just a new aircraft, but continued mission strength and stability for our Airmen.”
