Air Force Official Discusses Autonomous Systems Integration with Senator Gary Peters

F-15 EX and KC-46 Basing at Selfridge

• ✈️ Senator Gary Peters secured a commitment for Selfridge Air National Guard Base to receive 21 F-15 EX fighter jets, replacing aging A10s, in addition to 12 KC-46 refueling tankers.
• 🤝 This decision is supported by the entire Michigan delegation and ensures Selfridge's continued legacy for decades.

Infrastructure Prioritization for New Aircraft

• 🏗️ The Air Force is prioritizing bases like Selfridge for near-term military construction to support imminent flying missions.
• 🎯 The goal is to ensure that new platforms, such as the F-15 EX and KC-46, are fully operational upon arrival by synchronizing infrastructure development with aircraft fielding.
• ⚠️ Senator Peters emphasized the need to avoid gaps in support, especially with older platforms like the A10 departing, to prevent personnel issues.

Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) Fielding

• 🤖 CCAs are autonomous systems designed to work with manned fighters like the F-15 EX and tankers like the KC-46 to enhance lethality and reduce risk.
• 💡 The Air Force is exploring unique operational, sustainment, and training strategies for CCAs, distinct from traditional manned platforms.
• 🧪 An experimental operations unit at Cree is being established to determine the best methods for managing, training, and posturing these autonomous systems.
• 🦅 The Air Force is planning for the concurrent fielding of CCAs with Air National Guard units and existing fighter squadrons, including the F-15 EX.