Michigan has broken ground on a $152 million runway improvement project at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County, advancing infrastructure upgrades needed to accommodate new fighter aircraft and aerial refueling missions.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined officials from the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, federal and state lawmakers, and local leaders for the groundbreaking ceremony.
The project will realign and expand the installation’s runway to support the arrival of F-15EX Eagle II fighter aircraft and KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling tankers.
The Michigan National Guard’s 127th Wing is preparing to replace its A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft with F-15EX fighters and transition from KC-135 Stratotankers to KC-46 tankers. The new missions were announced in April 2025 and January 2024, respectively.
The runway project received funding earlier this year through bipartisan legislation intended to prepare Selfridge for its expanded military responsibilities.
Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, Michigan’s adjutant general and director of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, said the investment will help ensure the installation can accommodate the operational requirements of its new aircraft.
The runway improvements are part of a broader infrastructure initiative that includes relocating and reconstructing a section of William P. Rosso Highway between Interstate 94 and Jefferson Avenue.
The highway project, being coordinated with Macomb County, includes roadway realignment, drainage improvements and other modifications needed to accommodate the installation’s future operations.
Selfridge contributes an estimated $850 million to Michigan’s economy and supports approximately 30,000 jobs statewide, according to state officials.
The installation serves more than 5,000 members of the Air and Army National Guard and Reserve components. Its 127th Wing includes more than 1,400 airmen and works with approximately 45 military and homeland security mission partners.
Michigan has made several previous investments in Selfridge infrastructure, including $6.1 million in 2022, $13.2 million in 2023 and $15 million in 2024 for improvements and maintenance.
The state also has supported plans for a connected vehicle cybersecurity center and systems integration facilities at the installation.
Photo courtesy of 127th Wing
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