Michigan Representative John James Seeks $638 Million for Selfridge Air National Guard Base Upgrades
Michigan Representative John James has urged Congress to allocate $638 million to facilitate the modernization of the Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County. This request follows the approval of a $152 million spending plan by the state House earlier this month, in preparation for the arrival of new aircraft at the base by 2030.
The Selfridge Air National Guard Base is slated to welcome 21 new F-15EX Eagle II fighters in fiscal year 2028, along with a new squadron of KC-46A Pegasus refueling tankers by 2030. The total cost of upgrading the base to accommodate these new aircraft is estimated to be around $1 billion over the next five to seven years.
In a letter to the House Committee on Appropriations, James emphasized the significance of the funding for the base’s future, stating, “To operationalize these advanced airframes and secure Selfridge’s vital role in protecting the northern border, immediate and comprehensive infrastructure modernization is imperative.”
While acknowledging the progress of bringing new planes to the base, James emphasized the need for additional funding to ensure a seamless transition. He asserted, “We must ensure the Air Force provides an executable and fully funded plan to support the Citizen-Airman of the 127th Wing as they defend our nation.”
The proposed $638 million allocation for the Selfridge base would be distributed across various infrastructure projects, including an F15EX Maintenance Complex, KC46 Dual Bay Hangar Complex, Aircrew Training Complex, Squadron Operations, Aircraft Arresting System, Taxiway Extensions, and Runway Encroachment mitigation.
John James, a former Army helicopter pilot who previously ran for U.S. Senate, is currently focusing on his gubernatorial campaign in Michigan. His advocacy for the funding of the Selfridge Air National Guard Base underscores the importance of bolstering the base’s capabilities to support national defense.
