US Army Opens Five Test Ranges to Private Industry

The US Army is opening five military test ranges to private industry to accelerate the experimentation and procurement of drones, counter-drone technology, long-range missiles, and low-cost air defense interceptors. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll announced the initiative to reduce company wait times for range access from 18 months to 30 days, aiming to attract smaller, agile firms to innovate in exchange for potential Pentagon contracts.

The move follows the depletion of munitions stockpiles during a five-month war against Iran. The designated ranges include sites in Utah, Arizona, Mississippi, Michigan, and Morocco. As part of the effort, the Army will host an event in September to test systems under electronic warfare conditions modeled after the conflict in Ukraine.

President Donald Trump has downplayed concerns regarding dwindling munitions stocks, while also defending the performance of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth amid reports of clashes over munitions. Driscoll emphasized that the Army will provide concierge access to firms but warned that companies must adapt or face public accountability.