F-15EX Jets Confirmed for Michigan’s Selfridge Air National Guard Base
Last month at Selfridge Air National Guard Base (ANGB) in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the facility would operate the new Boeing F-15EX Eagle II. On 21 May, Dr. Troy Meink, Air Force Secretary, confirmed that Selfridge ANGB is set to receive 21 of the new Boeing F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets in 2028. The Boeing F-15EX is recognized as one of the most advanced and elite fighter aircraft in the U.S. Air Force, offering greater speed, extended payload capacity, cutting-edge radar technology, and high survivability in modern combat scenarios.
During an address at Selfridge ANGB on 29 April, President Trump told assembled airman that: “As commander in chief, I’m proud to announce that very soon, we will replace the retiring A-10 Warthogs with 21 brand-new F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets — the best in the world.”
The F-15EX Eagle II is Boeing’s advanced upgrade of the original F-15 air-superiority fighter. The plane is 19.5 meters in length, it has a 13 meter wingspan, and weighs 15.8 tons. It is capable of reading speeds of up to 1,875mph (Mach 2.5) and has a flight ceiling of up to 65,000 feet, and a 3,450-mile range. It has a maximum payload capacity of 29,500lb (13,400 kg), the greatest in any U.S. fighter, and may be equipped with up to 12 AMRAAM missiles or other ordnance. The F-15EX has a two-man crew, is all-weather capable, and has pulse-Doppler electronics that detect both high- and low-altitude objects without ground clutter. With greater than 20,000 flight-hour airframe life, the F-15EX is designed for a long service life and be affordable.
The 127th Wing at Selfridge will have its retiring A-10 Warthogs replaced by the new F-15EXs, this safeguards the bases future and supports national defense readiness and also has economic benefits for the region. The upgrade is likely to create new employment opportunities, induce local investment, and stimulate demand for maintenance and technical services support. It further signifies commitment to keeping Selfridge as a flagship military facility in Michigan in the long term.