Air Force Plans New KC-46 Jets at Selfridge Base: What You Need to Know

You might care about this because the Department of the Air Force plans to bring new KC-46A Pegasus aircraft to Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County, Michigan. This change means replacing the current eight KC-135T Stratotanker planes with up to eight KC-46 aircraft. The Air Force is also looking at an option to base up to 12 KC-46 aircraft instead. This decision will require facility improvements and new construction at the base. Before moving forward, the Air Force must prepare an Environmental Impact Statement, or EIS. This statement will study all the potential effects on the environment and the local community. These effects could include changes to noise levels, air quality, natural resources, and local economies. The goal is to modernize the base's 127 Wing, making it more capable and better aligned with national defense goals. The current KC-135 fleet is getting old, so a replacement is needed. The public can comment on this plan for 30 days starting May 21, 2026. The final environmental report is expected by Spring 2027. What makes this document particularly interesting is that it marks the beginning of a significant change for a major military installation in Michigan. Replacing an older fleet of tanker aircraft with a newer, more advanced one is a big step. These new KC-46 jets are different from the older KC-135s, meaning there could be changes to noise patterns and air traffic around Selfridge Air National Guard Base. The Air Force is legally required to study these potential impacts thoroughly before any construction begins or new aircraft arrive. This early notice allows the public and other agencies to get involved. It lets them share concerns and suggest other options for the study. The report will look closely at issues such as aircraft noise, local air quality, and how the base's operations might affect surrounding land use. These are often important topics for people living near military bases. The study will also look at how these changes might affect local services and transportation. It gives people a chance to speak up about how these plans could impact their community. Several groups of people would be very interested in this legal document. First, anyone living near Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County, Michigan, should pay attention. This includes residents in surrounding towns who might experience changes in aircraft noise or air quality. Property owners and businesses in the area might also want to understand the potential impact on their land or local economy. Environmental groups will find this important because the Air Force will assess how new aircraft and construction might affect local ecosystems, water resources, and air quality. Local government officials and community leaders in Macomb County and nearby areas are key stakeholders. They need to understand how these changes could affect infrastructure, public services, and the overall community. Military personnel and their families stationed at Selfridge will also be directly affected by the mission change and base improvements. Lastly, anyone interested in military aviation, defense strategy, or the process of federal environmental reviews will find this notice very relevant.