Selfridge Air National Guard Base to get 21 Boeing F-15EX jets, Trump confirms

US President Donald Trump announced plans to replace the aging A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan with 21 new Boeing F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets. 

The retirement process of the A-10 attack aircraft started in February 2024. The fleet is set to be phased out gradually over the course of the next three to five years. 

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Trump revealed the new fighter jet exchange in a speech at Selfridge Air National Guard Base on April 30, 2025, marking his 100th day in office. 

The US President stated that the F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets are “brand new”, adding that they will be stationed at the Selfridge Air National Guard Base “for a long time.” 

“I saw one of them, flew over my head, and I said, ‘What the hell is that?’ That plane has serious power,” Trump said in his speech. “So, this is the best there is anywhere in the world, the F-15EX Eagle II. This will keep Selfridge at the cutting edge of Northern American air power.” 

According to Boeing’s official website, the F-15EX can carry 13,300 kilograms (29,500 lbs) of weapons.  

Although the F-15EX lacks some of the advanced features found in newer generation fighters, it offers a more economical option for roles like airspace and base defense. Its ability to carry a substantial payload makes it well-suited for missions where targeting can be handled by more sensor-advanced aircraft like the F-35. 

Additionally, the F-15EX can shoot from a significantly increased range – farther than any other fighter in the US Air Force arsenal. The fighter jet is capable of holding 12 AIM-12 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles or other large ordinance.  

Trump added during his speech that his administration will keep working on replacing the aging KC-135 and KC-46 Pegasus tanker aircraft “to continue that important refueling mission.” 

“The previous administration was willing to surrender Air National Guard fighter units across the country by retiring aircraft that were not being replaced but under the Trump administration we’re correcting that injustice and that starts right here in Michigan,” Trump continued his speech. 

Trump also expanded on his broader defense strategy, announcing his support for a $1 trillion investment in national defense. The US President said he had signed an order to start building the Golden Dome Missile Defense Shield to protect the US from missile attacks. 

“America’s military will soon be stronger and more powerful than ever before and Selfridge Air National Guard Base will remain at the center of the action,” he concluded. The post Selfridge Air National Guard Base to get 21 Boeing F-15EX jets, Trump confirms appeared first on AeroTime.

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