Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, the future home of the B-21 nuclear-capable bomber, has upgraded its runway as part of preparations for the stealth aircraft's arrival.

The base, originally assigned a fleet of 17 B-1B bombers, was selected in 2021 as the first operating base in the United States and the location of a training unit for B-21 bombers, which are designed to conduct penetrating conventional and nuclear strikes.

Why It Matters

The B-21 bomber—also known as the Raider in honor of the Doolittle Raiders, who are known for their 1942 surprise attack on Japan during World War II—are set to be a key part of the U.S.'s nuclear triad , along with land-based missiles and submarines, providing what the Pentagon calls "a credible and flexible nuclear deterrent" against advers

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