Sen. Steve Daines is urging U.S. Air Force officials to consider Malmstrom Air Force Base as a future site for the B-21 bomber.
The Montana Republican made his suggestion Thursday to U.S. Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson during a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense hearing on the Air Force budget.
He said Gen. David Goldfein spoke in September about the strategic advantages and budgetary efficiencies of having Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) assets and long-range bombers both located at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota.
“I find that argument very compelling and believe the same advantages could be attained at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana,” Daines said.
He said much of the B-21 bomber development has been shrouded in secrecy, “and for good reason.”