U.S. Air Force Accelerates $2 Billion Ellsworth Upgrade for First B-21 Raider Bomber Base

The U.S. Air Force activated B-21 Integration Detachment 1 at Ellsworth Air Force Base on September 9, accelerating preparations for the service’s first operational Raider unit. The detachment will coordinate infrastructure, communications, training, sustainment, nuclear certification and mission-system integration across an installation transformation valued at nearly $2 billion. Ellsworth has already accepted a $161 million Low Observable Restoration Facility and an $81 million wash rack and general-maintenance hangar. Initial B-21 deliveries to the base are planned for 2027 as the Air Force works toward a fleet of at least 100 bombers.