U.S. Air Force activates dedicated B-21 integration unit to prepare Ellsworth for 2027 Raider delivery and future nuclear operations

The U.S. Air Force activated B-21 Integration Detachment 1 at Ellsworth Air Force Base on September 9 to coordinate the Raider's arrival at its first main operating base in 2027. The unit will manage construction, communications, training, sustainment, accreditation, mission-system integration and nuclear-certification work while the 28th Bomb Wing continues operating the B-1. Ellsworth is developing these elements in parallel under a phased beddown process that validates major components before the next stage. The detachment's procedures are intended to provide a repeatable integration model for later B-21 operations at Whiteman and Dyess Air Force Bases.