US Air Force Invests Heavily in Upgrading Cold War-Era Runways

## Upgrading Runways to Accommodate Modern Aircraft The US Air Force is investing heavily in upgrading runways at various bases across the country. This is in response to the need to accommodate modern aircraft, such as the F-35 Lightning II and the B-21 Raider, which are larger and heavier than their predecessors. The upgrades are necessary to ensure that the runways can handle the increased weight and size of these aircraft. ## Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan Selfridge Air National Guard Base is currently undergoing an expansion project that will relocate and extend its runway and add two new taxiways. The project is estimated to cost Michigan $152 million, with nearly $1 billion in federal funding and grants to modernize the base as a whole. The base currently hosts the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II and the Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker, but will begin stationing the Boeing F-15EX Strike Eagle and KC-46 Pegasus in 2028. The project will require the relocation of the nearby Rosso Highway and local utility lines, and has been met with controversy over funding and land acquisition. ## Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota Ellsworth Air Force Base has completed a $129.5 million upgrade to its runway in preparation for the arrival of the B-21 Raider. The upgrade involved replacing the top 12 inches of the runway center keel, rebuilding both runway overruns, and upgrading the lighting system. The project was completed in just ten months, despite initial plans to take three years. The base is currently home to the 28th Bomb Wing, which operates the Rockwell B-1B Lancer, and will soon host the B-21 Raider. ## Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida Tyndall Air Force Base is undergoing a major rebuild after being heavily damaged by Hurricane Michael in 2018. The base is spending $5 billion on new facilities that will be more hurricane-resilient, and is also refurbishing its two runways to better meet the needs of the Lockheed F-35 Lightning II. The base received its first F-35 Lightning II in August 2023, and is planned to be home to over 70 operational F-35s. ## Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota Grand Forks Air Force Base is currently undergoing a resurfacing program for its 12,351-foot runway. The project involves repairing approximately 10,270 feet of the runway using a milling and overlaying process, and is expected to cost $20.4 million. The project is necessary to address cracking and weathering in the runway, and is expected to take six months to complete. ## North Field in the Mariana Islands North Field is an abandoned World War II airfield that is being revitalized by the US Air Force. The airfield is currently being cleared of vegetation overgrowth and repaved, with two of its 7,874-foot runways expected to be fully refurbished by 2027. Initial flight operations at North Field commenced in late May 2026, hosting a detachment of personnel supporting joint-force training. The USAF is positioning itself to be better prepared for a possible conflict with China, and North Field will play a crucial role in maintaining its desired operational level in the Indo-Pacific region.