The US Department of the Air Force (DAF) announced on January 12 that it has selected Selfridge Air National Guard Base (ANGB) in Michigan as its preferred location to host the next KC-46A Pegasus tanker unit, with the base expected to welcome its first aircraft in 2029.
The decision to base KC-46As at Selfridge ANGB will be formalised following the outcome of a planned environmental impact assessment, which will be conducted in 2025. As per current plans, the USAF intends to base a total of 12 KC-46As at Selfridge, which is currently home to A-10C Thunderbolt IIs and KC-135R Stratotankers assigned to the Michigan Air National Guard’s (ANG’s) 127th Wing. At present, the Selfridge-based A-10Cs and KC-135Rs are expected to be progressively withdrawn from operational use from 2026 and 2027, respectively.
In a press release, the USAF said: “Divesting the ageing A-10 fleet and KC-135s and replacing them with the KC-46 ensures Selfridge ANGB has an enduring and modern mission that meets the requirements of the National Defense Strategy. Selfridge ANGB is not precluded from being considered for a fighter aircraft mission or other potential missions in the future.” If formally approved, the first KC-46A tankers are expected to be delivered to Selfridge ANGB in 2029.
