The U.S. Air Force has signed a $44 million contract to build protective shelters for the upcoming B‑21 Raider stealth bombers at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. The shelters will shield the aircraft from snow, ice, ultraviolet radiation and harsh weather, reducing maintenance needs and boosting operational readiness. The first B‑21s are scheduled to arrive at Ellsworth in 2027, featuring next‑generation radar‑evading coatings that allow longer outdoor storage compared with the B‑2 Spirit.