The US Air Force has approved a plan to temporarily relocate 17 B-1 Lancer supersonic heavy bombers from South Dakota to North Dakota. This strategic move is designed to facilitate renovations at Ellsworth Air Force Base, which serves as the command center for the B-1 Lancer fleet and will soon host the highly anticipated B-21 Raider aircraft. The transition is aimed at accommodating a significant runway construction project essential for the B-21 operations.
The B-1 units will be stationed at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, for a duration of 10 months. The arrival of the first B-1 bombers is scheduled for December, with their presence intended to assist in maintenance as preparations are made for the complete B-1 fleet’s return next year. Despite the ongoing relocation, operations of the B-1, managed by Ellsworth’s 28th Bomb Wing, will continue alongside the primary reconnaissance capabilities at Grand Forks, which are led by the 319th Reconnaissance Wing utilizing RQ-4B Global Hawk drones.
Residents near the Ellsworth AFB, especially those in the Red River Valley area, should expect a surge in traffic involving construction vehicles and military trucks, as well as increased aerial noise levels throughout the fall and winter months during this construction phase. “The runway construction at Ellsworth AFB is a key milestone in ensuring we’re ready to receive the B-21 Raider,” explained Colonel Derek Oakley, commander of the 28th Bomb Wing. He emphasized that this initiative reflects the Air Force’s ongoing commitment to introducing the latest long-range strike capabilities while also considering the impact on local communities.
In addition to the runway upgrades, further infrastructure works at Ellsworth will include specialized hangars, sustainment hubs, radio frequency stations, and a weapons training center tailored to support the B-21 Raiders. The Air Force also revealed plans for additional bases in Missouri and Texas to accommodate more of the future bombers. The Air Force anticipates acquiring up to 100 B-21 Raiders starting in 2027, which will enhance the United States’ long-range strike and nuclear deterrence capabilities.
The B-21 program has already marked a significant milestone with the aircraft’s maiden flight occurring in 2023 and is currently in the low-rate initial production phase. The B-21 Raider, manufactured by Northrop Grumman, features notable specifications, measuring 54 feet (16 meters) in length with a wingspan of 132 feet (40 meters). It has an empty weight of 70,000 pounds (31,751 kilograms) and a maximum weapons load capacity of 20,000 pounds (9,072 kilograms). While specific details regarding its engines remain undisclosed, estimates suggest that the B-21 will be powered by twin engines capable of exceeding speeds of Mach 0.8 (614 miles/988 kilometers per hour), based on technology derived from the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet.
