Genesee News

Rep. David W. Martin expressed his support for the newly announced F-15EX mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. The plan involves 21 F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets to be deployed at the Michigan base beginning in fiscal year 2028. This announcement came shortly after President Trump’s rally in Warren, which marked his first 100 days in office.

Martin, a former Air Force member, underlined the strategic importance of the mission, stating, “This new fighter jet mission is absolutely critical for national security in the airspace along our northern border.” He highlighted the necessity of replacing the aging A-10 “Warthogs”, which were introduced in 1977, with the more modern F-15EX model. “The mission has evolved and the advanced Eagle II will better suit that role,” he noted.

The existing A-10 jets mainly offer close air support, a role that the F-15EX will expand upon with multirole capabilities. “These new multirole fighters will be able to carry on the 107th Squadron’s mission of close air support, while also possessing the capability of air-to-air combat and much more,” Martin said. He emphasized the need for "flexibility" to tackle increasing global security challenges.

Martin mentioned a roundtable he attended at Selfridge two years prior, which focused on the economic implications of divesting the A-10s without a replacement. Projections indicated that not replacing the A-10 could result in a loss of 611 jobs at the base and an economic impact of over $44 million per year to Michigan. Martin remarked, "This move will protect hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs on base and in the community."

The congressman concluded by expressing gratitude for the decision to procure the F-15EX jets, stating, “I am grateful that all our hard work has paid off and that we’re getting our airmen the assets they need to keep us safe.”