Michigan Officials Announce Air Force Decision to Base KC-46A Tankers at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Continue Push for Fighter Mission

Statement

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

"We welcome this exciting news that will help to secure the future of Selfridge Air National Guard Base for decades to come. The twelve KC-46A refueling tankers -- a larger unit than the eight KC-135s now at Selfridge -- are next-generation aircraft that will strengthen American defense operations and capabilities for future threats, particularly as we prepare for potential conflicts in the Indo-Pacific. Operating these tankers out of Selfridge will ensure the base -- and Michigan -- remain essential to U.S. military strategy while supporting local jobs and our state's robust defense sector. Our bipartisan coalition pushed for basing KC-46s and a future fighter mission at Selfridge, holding dozens of meetings and calls with senior Air Force officials and hosting them in Michigan to emphasize the importance of our state and Selfridge to national security. Our delegation is grateful to the Air Force for their professionalism throughout this process. Importantly, Air Force officials have made it clear that this decision will not prevent Selfridge from being considered for a future fighter mission. We remain committed to achieving that goal."

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source