Photo credit: Samuel King, 96th Test Wing Public Affairs
This week’s announcement from President Donald Trump on the new fighter mission for Selfridge provides economic certainty for the Detroit Region and state, securing Michigan’s position as the Arsenal of Democracy for the lifespan of the F-15EX. From flying into DC to revamping the Defense and Aerospace caucus to hosting defense panels at the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference, the Detroit Regional Chamber celebrates the hard work it took to make this mission happen.
The Chamber applauds Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Speaker Matt Hall, and President Trump for coming together to find common ground in supporting Michigan’s defense industry. It is also worth noting the continued support from state Sen. Mike Webber (R-Rochester Hills) and state Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit), the bipartisan chairs of the Defense and Aerospace Caucus, which I have been fortunate enough to help advise over the past two years.
Selfridge is an anchor tenant for Michigan’s defense industry, providing a critical resource for our National Guard and defense industry. In addition to the fighter missions, Selfridge can provide unique testing facilities for research and development by partnering with the Army at the Detroit Arsenal. These new investments give the defense industry the certainty that Selfridge will remain open for decades to come and keep Michigan as the Arsenal of Democracy.