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US agency approves nearly $400m to construct B-21 bomber facilities
18 July 2025
The US Senate Armed Services Committee has approved US$378 million in new construction at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, US, to support deployment of the new B‑21 Raider, a next-generation stealth bomber currently in development by US-based aerospace manufacturer Northrop Grumman.
A B-2 Spirit bomber. The US Air Force is phasing out the B-2 model for the B-21. Image: Adobe Stock
The projects, part of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), include aircraft shelters, a flight simulator facility, an alert centre, and surrounding infrastructure. Reports said related infrastructure upgrades are already under way near the base.
The funding brings total authorised construction for the B‑21 programme at Ellsworth to about $1.65 billion since 2021.
The NDAA’s allocation will require majority approval by the US Senate and House of Representatives.
Details on a future construction contract tender would be revealed after Congressional approval.
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