The US Army has announced it is opening its military test ranges to private industry. This move is designed to speed up the development and testing of drones, counter-drone systems, and other technologies. Companies can now request access to the ranges, even without an existing government partnership.
The Army is launching five test ranges, including sites in Michigan, Utah, Arizona, Mississippi, and Morocco. These ranges will offer various testing capabilities, such as electronic warfare conditions and long-range fires testing.
The initiative aims to streamline the development process and provide companies with a single point of access to the test ranges. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll emphasized the importance of simplifying the process for companies with innovative ideas, stating that they should not need a team of lawyers to prove their equipment works.
