Detroit City Wire

Michigan continues to play a significant role in the nation’s aerospace and defense sectors, with more than $30 billion in economic activity generated by nearly 5,000 businesses and over 166,000 workers involved in these industries. The majority of this work is concentrated in the “Michigan Defense Corridor,” which includes Sterling Heights and Macomb County.

The state is home to 17 military commands, organizations, and installations such as Selfridge Air National Guard Base and Camp Grayling. In April, President Donald Trump announced that Selfridge would receive a new mission with 21 F-15EX Eagle II fighter aircraft replacing the older A-10 Thunderbolt II squadron. This move followed two years of bipartisan efforts by the Michigan Aerospace and Defense Caucus alongside federal and state officials.

Selfridge marks its 108th anniversary this year, supporting an estimated 30,000 jobs and contributing $850 million annually to Michigan’s economy.

According to State Sen. Michael Webber, R-Rochester Hills: “The bipartisan legislative Michigan Aerospace and Defense Caucus worked tirelessly behind the scenes with the White House, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and our congressional delegation for more than two years to help deliver this important win for the people of Michigan and our national security.”

Webber emphasized ongoing partnerships between the caucus and organizations like the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI) to advance policy priorities for industry growth. He stated: “The Legislature must continue investing in the mission of ODAI, which supports the state’s defense and aerospace sectors by fostering business growth, amplifying our state’s unique advantages and setting conditions to accelerate innovation.”

Plans are underway for initiatives such as developing a Michigan Artificial Intelligence Hub and Spoke Consortium aimed at supporting AI transformation across industries through collaboration among academia, government, and private sector entities. Additionally, there is an effort to secure $6.6 million in state funding for a Hypersonic and Extreme Environment Testing Facility at Selfridge. While nearly $40 million in federal funds are available for hypersonic research projects, some resources have already been spent out-of-state due to limited local testing capabilities.

Webber also described his recent meeting with Daniel Driscoll, Secretary of the Army, during Northern Strike exercises at Camp Grayling—one of the Department of Defense’s largest reserve component readiness events involving participants from 36 states and territories.

“Growing Michigan’s diverse aerospace and defense industry remains a national and state priority with strong bipartisan support across all levels of government,” Webber said. “The Aerospace and Defense Caucus will continue to advocate for the future success of our state in this field.”

State Sen. Michael Webber serves as co-chair of the bipartisan legislative Michigan Aerospace and Defense Caucus representing Michigan’s 9th Senate District.