This article is published in Aerospace Daily & Defense Report part of Aviation Week Intelligence Network (AWIN), and is complimentary through Oct 16, 2026. For information on becoming an AWIN Member to access more content like this, click here.
B-21
The U.S. Air Force has activated a new unit specifically dedicated to standing up operations with the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider at its first operating base one year ahead of the bomber touching down.
The service announced Sept. 10 the activation of B-21 Integration Detachment 1 at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota. The detachment is focused on “coordinating, synchronizing and executing the complex integration” of the Raider as the base continues operating the B-1B Lancer.
“Team Ellsworth faces a combination of demands—sustaining an operational legacy bomber force while preparing to receive the B-21 and building the nuclear community to employ it,” says Maj. Gen. Ty Neuman, commander of Eighth Air Force. “The activation of Detachment 1 takes some of the responsibility from the 28th Bomb Wing, allowing them to focus more fully on the operational B-1 mission and establish a command accountability for uniting thousands of individual actions, decisions, and construction projects into a single operational combat capability.”
The base is building new facilities, training personnel and testing mission systems at the same time to prepare for the arrival. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink told Aviation Week in July a test bomber will touch down in October 2027, with the first production bombers to follow on year later.
“We are not just preparing to receive a new aircraft; we are helping the Air Force learn how to field, integrate, and employ the next generation of American long-range strike capability,” detachment commander Lt. Col. Joshua Dawkins said. “We are building a lasting foundation of readiness that will protect this nation and support this community for decades to come.”
Ellsworth is undergoing $2 billion worth of construction and renovation ahead of the bomber’s arrival, including a rebuilt runway.
“We’re getting the airplane out there soon so we can start stressing the infrastructure, start working through the infrastructure issues to make the hangars where we do the maintenance—that everything is working right,” Meink said in July.
On Sept. 8, the Army Corps of Engineers hosted a virtual industry day focusing on new construction at another base set to host the bomber, Whiteman AFB, Missouri.
According to slides from the presentation, there are 30 military construction projects planned at that base totaling $900 million. These include a new weapons release system storage facility, dorm and radio frequency hangar—with awards coming in late fiscal 2026 and early fiscal 2027. There are planned awards in fiscal 2027 for a weapons load trainer facility and a facilities, sustainment, restoration and modernization complex. Awards will follow for environmental protection shelters and a low-observable facility, among others.
Related Content
Comments