Senate defense bill authorizes $14 million for Selfridge upgrades

Melissa Nann Burke, The Detroit News on Jul 11, 2025

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WASHINGTON ― A defense policy bill approved this week by a Senate panel authorizes $14 million for infrastructure upgrades at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County ahead of the anticipated arrival of two new airframes, the F-15EX fighters and KC-46 tankers.

Michigan U.S. Sen. Gary Peters' office said Friday that the National Defense Authorization Act adopted by the Senate Armed Services Committee in a 26-1 vote late Wednesday included $9 million for runway improvements at the base in Harrison Township and $5.2 million to build two new taxiways.

Peters of Bloomfield Township and Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Holly, Democrats who sit on the panel, supported the legislation. The House is expected to mark up its version of the NDAA starting Tuesday.

The authorization for funding at Selfridge follows President Donald Trump's directive earlier this year for the Air Force to send 21 F-15EX aircraft to Selfridge starting in 2028 to replace the aging A-10 Thunderbolt II squadron that is set to be retired starting next year at the base on Lake St. Clair northeast of Detroit.

Selfridge is also expected to receive a full squadron of KC-46A refueling aircraft starting in 2030.

The purpose of the runway project is to shift the runway to the north, away from 65 residential homes along the Clinton River south of the base within the designated 3,000-foot by 3,000-foot "clear zone" ― an area kept clear of obstructions to protect both people and property on the ground from air traffic. The runway project is estimated to cost $124 million.

U.S. Rep. John James, R-Shelby Township, previously requested $90 million in earmarked federal funding back in May to help pay for the runway project via the appropriations process.

The Senate NDAA proposal also authorized $4.4 million for the Camp Grayling All-Domain Warfighting Training Complex in mid-Michigan. Peters' office said he secured language in the bill's accompanying report urging permanent funding for Michigan's annual Northern Strike Exercise.

The text also authorized $34.4 million to maintain the continued production and fielding of General Motors Defense’s Infantry Squad Vehicle. GM Defense conducts its testing, research and development of projects at the Milford Proving Ground in Oakland County, which employs over 50,000 people.

The legislation authorizes $31.9 million to support the production of the Army’s Individual Assault Munitions (IAM) that will be made at a new production facility being constructed in Grayling, according to Peters' office.

This facility is expected to employ 70 people starting this year and expand to 100 employees by 2027.

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