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

The U.S. Air Force is accelerating a $2 billion upgrade at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, preparing it to host the first B-21 Raider bomber. The activation of B-21 Integration Detachment 1 on September 9, 2026, places infrastructure, communications, training, and mission integration under a dedicated organization ahead of the first Raider deliveries planned for 2027. This deployment will serve as a model for future B-21 introductions and is a significant step in generating combat-ready forces for the airborne leg of the U.S. nuclear triad.