The Michigan Air National Guard launched a $32.6 million project to install an in-ground refueling system and modern fuel storage facility at Selfridge ANGB, Mich. “The hydrant system will reduce truck traffic, … creating a safer and more efficient way to deliver fuel to our tanker aircraft,” fuel superintendent MSgt. Eric Henderson said in a release. The new, eight hydrant system will allow for the up to 203,000 pounds of fuel required to fill KC-135s to be pumped directly into the aircraft, instead of being trucked to the flight line. Upgrades will also include a new 630,000 gallon storage facility to replace the current 1958-vintage tank farm and a safer, remote truck unloading facility. The new facilities will serve the 127th Wing’s KC-135s and A-10s, in addition to Army, Coast Guard, and Customs and Border Protection tenants. Selfridge recently completed runway and taxiway renovation, built a new munitions complex, modernized its air traffic control systems, and upgraded its operations and security forces facilities, according to the release.
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.
