The US Department of the Air Force (DAF) could build and operate data centers at three of its sites in Alaska.

It has put out a Request for Lease Proposal with the aim of attracting a private sector partner to take the data center developments forward.

Part of the Department of Defense, now known as the Department of War, the DAF is responsible for the United States Air Force and the United States Space Force.

The DAF is offering approximately 4,700 acres of underutilized land across Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Eielson Air Force Base, and Clear Space Force Station, all located in Alaska.

“This lease opportunity signals a strategic effort by the service to leverage its real estate portfolio for technological advancement while creating new economic opportunities,” the DAF said. “Under the Enhanced Use Lease model, the service leases non-excess property to partners for long-term commercial use. In return, the service receives at least fair market value in cash.”

Robert Moriarty, deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for Installations, said: "This is a unique opportunity for a true public-private partnership.

“By making this land available, we are supporting the growing demands of the AI industry while generating value that directly supports our missions and the readiness of our airmen and guardians."

Twelve parcels of land within the three sites have been identified for potential development, and the selected developer will be responsible for all aspects of the project, including financing, permitting, construction, and long-term operation of the facilities, the DAF said.

On April 23, the service will host a virtual industry day to engage with industry partners, and interested parties will have the opportunity to tour the proposed sites in person. Site visits are scheduled for Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on April 28, Clear Space Force Station on April 29, and Eielson Air Force Base on April 30.

Interested parties should email [email protected]. The registration deadline for the virtual event is April 16, with an April 20 deadline for the site tours.

News that the bases could be used for data centers first emerged in February and is part of a wider move to open up Air Force land following a last-minute Biden-era executive order to explore whether parcels owned by the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy could be made available to data center developers.

The order was reworked by the Trump Administration, and the DOE announced 16 potential sites in April 2025.

Alaska is not currently a major data center market, but state governor Mike Dunleavy has been making active attempts to court the hyperscalers since 2024.