B-1B Bombers Return to Ellsworth AFB Following Runway Reconstruction for Future B-21 Raider Operations

The B-1B Lancer bomber is returning to Ellsworth Air Force Base after a $129.5 million reconstruction of the runway, which includes 106,000 tonnes of concrete and modernised facilities for the upcoming B-21 Raider. Seventeen B-1B aircraft were previously relocated to Grand Forks AFB due to the runway closure in December 2024, marking a significant operational shift.

The renovation aims to secure the base's functionality for the next fifty years. The B-1B continues to perform essential roles in conventional strike missions, utilizing its payload capacity of up to 34 tonnes and advanced systems for low-level operations.

The return of the Lancer aircraft is coupled with resumed training activities, enhancing operational readiness for long-range strike missions across various theatres. The reopening aligns with U.S. efforts to modernise strategic assets, especially with the B-21 Raider's impending deployment.