Michigan has a proud history as our nation’s Arsenal of Democracy. Since answering President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s call to “arm and support” the Allied powers during World War II, hardworking and resourceful Michiganians have continued to be leaders in aerospace and defense.
Today, Michigan’s robust network of defense companies, military installations, and cutting-edge research institutions accounts for more than $30 billion in economic activity. Nearly 5,000 Michigan businesses — more than 166,000 workers — serve the defense, defense aerospace and homeland security industries. Approximately 65% of all the defense work in the state takes place in the “Michigan Defense Corridor,” which includes Sterling Heights and surrounding Macomb County.
Our state also plays a key role in supporting U.S. military readiness as home to 17 commands, military organizations and installations, including Selfridge Air National Guard Base and Camp Grayling.
In April, we applauded a major national investment in Selfridge when President Donald Trump announced that a new 21-aircraft F-15EX Eagle II fighter mission would replace the aging A-10 Thunderbolt II squadron at the base.
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.
Selfridge celebrates its 108th anniversary this year, supporting an estimated 30,000 jobs and $850 million in annual economic impact for the state.
When it comes to supporting national defense and innovation, the possibilities are endless for Michigan.
That’s why the Aerospace and Defense Caucus continues to partner with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and its Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI) on policy and budget priorities that would help ensure this vital industry has the tools and resources it needs to grow our state into the future Arsenal of Innovation.
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.
The caucus has proposed developing the Michigan Artificial Intelligence Hub and Spoke Consortium to support the responsible AI transformation of the state’s economy and create good-paying jobs. This effort would help establish an AI ecosystem in Michigan by linking industry, academia and government for an integrated and results-focused statewide approach to AI.
We’re also working to secure $6.6 million in state funding to support the creation of a Hypersonic and Extreme Environment Testing Facility at Selfridge. Nearly $40 million in federal funding for hypersonic research and development projects has become available. However, due to a lack of in-state testing capabilities, more than $1 million has already been spent on out-of-state facilities, and additional funds are at risk of being allocated elsewhere.
In August, I had the privilege of meeting Daniel Driscoll, the 26th Secretary of the Army, while touring Northern Strike at Camp Grayling. Federal and state leaders were able to directly communicate Michigan’s plan to continue to lead in support of our national defense.
Northern Strike is one of the Department of Defense’s largest reserve component readiness exercises, bringing 7,500 participants from 36 states and territories to Michigan.
Growing Michigan’s diverse aerospace and defense industry remains a national and state priority with strong bipartisan support across all levels of government. The Aerospace and Defense Caucus will continue to advocate for the future success of our state in this field.
State Sen. Michael Webber, R-Rochester Hills, serves as the co-chair of the bipartisan legislative Michigan Aerospace and Defense Caucus and represents Michigan’s 9th Senate District. This op-ed appeared in the Sept. 3, 2025 edition of The Detroit News.