The US Air Force is expanding infrastructure at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri as the installation prepares to receive the B-21 Raider. K & K Industries has been awarded a $13.65 million firm-fixed-price contract to construct a weapons release system storage facility supporting the bomber program. The contract has a cumulative face value of $14.99 million, and construction near Knob Noster is scheduled for completion by March 31, 2028. Whiteman is currently home to the 509th Bomb Wing and its B-2 Spirit bombers. In September 2024, the Air Force selected Whiteman as the B-21’s second main operating base, joining Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. The B-21 is a nuclear-capable stealth bomber designed for both conventional and nuclear missions. The Air Force plans to acquire at least 100 aircraft, which are expected to become a central element of the future bomber fleet while eventually replacing the B-1 and B-2. Construction of supporting facilities is progressing alongside aircraft development and testing. Recent projects include a $74.9 million contract for a B-21 radio-frequency hangar at Whiteman, as well as contracts at Ellsworth for environmental protection shelters and an expanded training complex containing aircrew debriefing and flight-simulator facilities.
