Local officials from Grand Forks, N.D., have started exploring options for the post-BRAC life of Grand Forks Air Force Base, according to the Grand Forks Herald. Grand Forks, the base, will lose its KC-135 tanker mission as part of BRAC 2005 actions, but it is slated to pick up a Predator unmanned aerial vehicle operation. City officials say they plan to work with DOD’s Office of Economic Adjustment and other nearby communities. The Air National Guard unit at Fargo, N.D., already is looking to piggyback on the Grand Forks Predator mission. And, the state is setting up a UAV center of excellence at the University of North Dakota, which has enlisted the aid of Lockheed Martin. It would seem North Dakota is well ahead of the game.
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.
