Dyess Air Force Base Breaks Ground on Major New Facility Ahead of B-21 Raider Arrival in Abilene

Big news out of Dyess Air Force Base in Texas this week, and it’s the kind of news that reminds you just how important Abilene is to the future of national defense.

A Major Step Forward for Dyess and the B-21 Raider

On Monday, Team Dyess joined community and industry partners to officially break ground on a brand-new fuels laboratory, refueler truck yard, and Logistics Readiness Squadron administrative facility.

READ MORE: Get A Virtual Tour of Dyess Air Force Base In Texas

The $26.7 million military construction project is designed to modernize fueling operations that currently support the B-1B Lancer and C-130J Super Hercules while also laying the groundwork for the incoming B-21 Raider in Texas.

This groundbreaking represents a vital stepping stone, bridging our existing missions with those to come,” said Col. Seth W. Spanier, 7th Bomb Wing commander. “It’s the first visible step in a decades-long transformation of Dyess Air Force Base.

What This New Facility Brings to Dyess AFB

The new complex will replace aging infrastructure and significantly expand fuel storage and distribution capacity. Translation: safer, more efficient, and more reliable operations for the Airmen who keep aircraft flying every day.

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The project includes a new fuels lab, refueler truck parking, administrative offices, upgraded utilities, and improved access roads. Construction is expected to wrap up by October 2027.

Abilene’s Role in a $1.6 Billion Modernization

This fuel facility is just one piece of a much bigger picture. Dyess has more than 24 infrastructure projects planned over the next decade as part of a $1.6 billion modernization effort.

While this project supports both current and future missions, the first facility built exclusively for the B-21 Raider is expected to break ground in 2026.

Bottom line: Dyess keeps leveling up, Abilene keeps showing up, and being part of the B-21 Raider future is something this town should be seriously proud of.