B-21 summit unites military, community leaders to prepare Dyess AFB for future mission

Military, civic and industry leaders gathered in Texas for a summit focused on preparing Dyess AFB to host the next-generation B-21 Raider stealth bomber.<br /> <img alt="From left, retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. John Nichols, Abilene Military Affairs Council vice president, Lt. Gen. Mark Pye, deputy director, Critical Major Weapon Systems for the Department of War, and Maj. Gen. Peter Bonetti, director, Air Force Global Strike Command Strategic Plans, Programs and Requirements, participate in a panel discussion during the B-21 Summit in Abilene, Texas, Oct. 8, 2026. The discussion detailed the multi-year synchronization of aircraft production, base construction, personnel training and security protocols required to integrate a new strategic weapon system into the national defense framework. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jade M. Caldwell)" src="https://media.defense.gov/2026/Oct/19/2004016265/300/300/0/261008-F-BO786-1331.JPG" /> <br />