Exciting news at Ellsworth Air Force Base

Greetings. Let’s talk about the biggest thing happening in the Black Hills, shall we? No, it’s not the July 3 fireworks at Mt. Rushmore. No, it’s not President Trump attending the fireworks ceremony. So, what is it? How about Ellsworth Air Force Base? 

Specifically, the anticipated arrival of the B21 Raider Bomber coming to the base in 2027. Currently Ellsworth AFB is scheduled to be the first base to receive the B21s. They are/were scheduled to have two squadrons, or 40 B21 bombers.

For us Army guys out there, I think a squadron is like an Army brigade as in number of troops, but then again, number-wise probably a battalion. A squadron is commanded by a colonel and so is a brigade, while a battalion is commanded by a lieutenant colonel. Let’s go with a squadron the same as an Amy brigade.

But wait! Recently, this last week, the Department of Defense announced it is increasing the number of B21s from 100 to 145. That means two more squadrons. The exciting part of this equation is Ellsworth is almost assured of a third squadron and another 20 B21s for a total of 60 bombers. Basically one-third more than we originally thought, and yes, Ellsworth is equipped and big enough to handle an additional squadron.

Just a few facts about the B21 Raider. Cost: $750 million at 2024 pricing per  bomber. Capabilities: classified, but we do know it’s the stealthiest airframe ever made. Speed is also classified but faster than the B1 and the B2 that the B21 is scheduled to replace. Payload: How many bombs can it carry, or what weight? Still, no one is saying other than more than the B1 and it’s a smaller sized aircraft. The other significant feature is it is nuclear capable, meaning it is capable of hauling nuclear bombs.

What is the number of personnel it will bring to the air force base? Once the two scheduled squadrons arrive, we will have roughly 9,100 personnel on active duty. That includes department of the Air Force civilians and dependents. With two B21 squadrons that figure was going to increase to 11,792. So, with an additional squadron, no one has said, but way more than the 11,792 figure.

Economic Impact - 2023 figures were $887 million, so over a $1 billion economic impact. With the B21 bombers, the base currently has had around $2 billion in construction already. In the legislature this session (2026), we authorized $8 million to go to infrastructure such as roads in that have been way, way overused with all the construction vehicles going to and from the base. 

It’s never a challenge to get money for the base, but I’ll put it this way: out of the $2 billion in construction, the base paid $80 million just in excise tax to the state. So, $8 million given back is the least we could do.

Last year we authorized $15 million at an interest-free loan to Box Elder schools because of the need to expand. Last status there have been 18 projects built with at least 35 projected. These are mostly buildings to house B21s along with support buildings for maintenance and personnel. Also, the runway was rebuilt this past year.

Whew! Now is that enough happening or what? Peace through strength.