{"id":104791,"date":"2025-07-26T21:03:04","date_gmt":"2025-07-26T15:33:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=104791"},"modified":"2025-09-05T23:45:08","modified_gmt":"2025-09-05T18:15:08","slug":"largest-air-force-bases-by-area-in-world-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2025\/07\/26\/largest-air-force-bases-by-area-in-world-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Largest Air Force Bases by Area in the World in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

WASHINGTON\u2014<\/strong> The U.S. military test and training ranges are so large as to even eclipse King Fahd International Airport (DMM) in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. For perspective, Dammam (DMM)<\/a> is the largest commercial airport by area<\/a>, spanning 192,000 acres. The majority of the world’s largest air bases are operated by the United States Air Force (USAF)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have selected some of the largest air force bases in the world according to the land area they cover. This leads to some of the most gargantuan military establishments on the planet, some of which will surprise you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Largest Air Force Bases by Area<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The
Photo: USAF<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

1. Barry M. Goldwater Range (Arizona, USA)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Barry M. Goldwater Range spans over 1.7 million acres (2,656 square miles) in southern Arizona and is jointly managed by the USAF and U.S. Marine Corps. It supports air-to-ground training, including live munitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While not a base with permanent personnel, its size and role make it critical for close air support and weapons practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The range is managed by over 200 military, civilian, and contract staff from Luke AFB’s 56th Range Management Office, who oversee operations, environmental stewardship, and airspace coordination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Utah Test and Training Range (Utah, USA)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Top
Photo: USAF<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Managed by Hill AFB, the Utah Test and Training Range (UTTR) encompasses 2,675 square miles (1.71 million acres) of ground space and 19,000 square miles of airspace. UTTR supports live-fire weapons testing and cruise missile exercises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UTTR operates with 11 military, 93 civilian, and 153 technical services personnel. An additional 53 air traffic control staff oversee annual operations involving more than 16,000 training and 300 test sorties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Nellis Air Force Base Complex (Nevada, USA)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Top
Photo: USAF<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nellis AFB Complex, based in southern Nevada, spans over 5,000 square miles of airspace. It includes Nellis AFB, Creech AFB, and the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR), which alone covers about 2.9 million acres (4,531 square miles).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The NTTR supports advanced aerial combat training, Red Flag exercises, and weapons testing. The complex hosts approximately 11,000 active-duty and reserve personnel, serving as a critical hub for Air Combat Command and U.S. Air Force Warfare Center operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (Alaska, USA)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Atlas
Photo: USAF<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) spans approximately 84,000 acres (131 square miles) and is home to both U.S. Air Force and Army units.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

JBER supports the 3rd Wing, 11th Airborne Division, and Alaskan NORAD Region. It also hosts over 12,000 military personnel and is strategically located for Arctic and Indo-Pacific operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Joint Base San Antonio (Texas, USA)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"UH-60
Photo: USAF<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) comprises Fort Sam Houston, Lackland AFB, and Randolph AFB. It is the largest joint base in the U.S., with over 46,000 acres (72 square miles) and 80,000 personnel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

JBSA provides medical training, basic military training, and flight instruction across its three primary components, under Air Education and Training Command (AETC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
Largest Air Forces in the World Ranked by Military Aircraft in 2025<\/a><\/blockquote>