This week, President Donald Trump announced a new fighter mission for Selfridge, securing economic stability for the Detroit region and Michigan. This development aims to solidify Michigan’s position as the “Arsenal of Democracy” during the lifespan of the F-15EX. The Detroit Regional Chamber acknowledges the efforts that led to this mission, including initiatives from flying to Washington D.C., revamping the Defense and Aerospace Caucus, and hosting defense panels at the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference.
The Chamber recognizes the collaborative work of Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Speaker Matt Hall, and President Trump for their roles in supporting Michigan’s defense sector. Additional acknowledgment was given to state Senator Mike Webber and state Representative Donavan McKinney, bipartisan leaders of the Defense and Aerospace Caucus, which has received advisory insight for the past two years.
Selfridge plays a pivotal role as an anchor tenant in Michigan’s defense industry, offering crucial resources to the National Guard and defense sector. It also provides unique testing facilities through partnerships with the Army at the Detroit Arsenal. These new investments aim to ensure that Selfridge remains operational for the foreseeable future, reinforcing Michigan’s status as the “Arsenal of Democracy.”
