The U.S. Air Force is carrying out an estimated $2 billion construction and renovation program at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, as the base prepares to become the first main operating base for the B-21 Raider. Ellsworth will also host the bomber’s Formal Training Unit.
Major Raider-specific facilities have already been completed, including a $161 million Low Observable Restoration Facility and an approximately $81 million Wash Rack and General Maintenance Hangar. These facilities provide specialized indoor space for aircraft maintenance and work involving the B-21’s radar-absorbent materials.
The Air Force also activated B-21 Integration Detachment 1 at Ellsworth in September to coordinate the bomber’s arrival, training, maintenance, construction and wider operational integration while the base continues supporting B-1B operations.
The B-21 remains in flight testing, with the Air Force continuing preparations for its arrival at Ellsworth. Current plans call for the first test aircraft to reach the base in 2027, followed by production aircraft as the program moves toward operational service.
