The total economic impact of Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, on the surrounding region anchored by Dayton, Ohio, exceeds $4.4 billion, according to newly issued Air Force data. The base’s 2008 base economic impact analysis (full document; caution, large file), which incorporates data as of September 2008, shows that there is a total of 25,713 military, civilian, and contractor employees at Wright-Patterson, an increase of nearly 900 personnel compared to 2007 figures. “This document illustrates that economic growth on the base is robust and radiating throughout the Miami Valley,” said Col. Bradley Spacy, commander of Wright-Paterson’s 88th Air Base Wing. (Wright-Patterson report by Josh Aycock)
New B-52 Radar Makes First Flight
Dec. 12, 2025
The Air Force’s radar modernization effort for the B-52 Stratofortress entered flight testing recently, a “milestone” for the once over-budget system that senior leaders call the start of a new era for the Cold War bomber.

