US Army Opens Test Ranges to Private Companies to Accelerate Weapons Production

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, August 12, 2026

The U.S. Army has launched a program allowing private companies faster access to military test ranges to speed up the development of advanced weapons like missiles and drones. This initiative aims to shorten approval times from over a year to 30 days, helping address urgent defense needs amid global conflicts and depleted U.S. weapons stockpiles.

The U.S. Army has initiated a new program granting private companies access to military test ranges in an effort to expedite the development and acquisition of advanced weapons systems. The policy aims to reduce the lengthy delays that have traditionally hampered contractors’ ability to field new technologies, thereby accelerating the delivery of missile, drone, and other defense capabilities for frontline use.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll outlined the initiative during a news briefing at the Camp Grayling testing facility in Michigan. He emphasized that the move is designed to cut down what can often be 12 to 18 months of procedural hurdles before companies can test their products. Through an online marketplace launched last week, companies can now request access to Army test ranges in the United States or allied countries and expect approval within 30 days.

“This timeline is not acceptable given the realities of modern warfare,” Driscoll said, underscoring the urgency to enhance soldier lethality and safety. The shift is driven by recent developments in global conflicts, including the rapid deployment of Shahed drones by Iran against U.S. forces in the Middle East and Ukraine’s swift adaptation of drone technology in its defense against Russia.

Driscoll, who participated in early diplomatic discussions between Russia and Ukraine in 2022, noted these examples as clear demonstrations of how speed and innovation in weapons development are critical on the modern battlefield. The Army’s approach also addresses broader Pentagon concerns about the depletion of advanced weapons stockpiles resulting from ongoing conflicts, including the war in Iran. These weapons, like Patriot and THAAD interceptors, are costly and in limited supply.

By opening up test facilities, the Army seeks to incentivize smaller, innovative companies to enter the defense market and produce affordable, effective weapons systems. “We are breaking down barriers built up over the last two to three decades,” Driscoll said, highlighting a strategic effort to foster industry partnerships. “We are inviting industry to innovate alongside our soldiers, and our commitment is to procure systems that increase survivability and combat effectiveness.”

The program already has one notable success: Covenant Industries recently tested its Anthem cruise missile at the Army’s missile test range in Morocco. Abby Denburg, an executive with Covenant, described the trial as proof of the new accessible pathway for weapon developers.

Under the initiative, companies without existing military contracts can use five designated Army ranges to test rockets, drones, and anti-drone systems. This increased access aims to boost the speed of weapon deployment amid concerns about strained U.S. and allied air defense resources in the Middle East, where depleted inventories could force riskier operational decisions, according to an analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

The Army’s move marks a significant adjustment in defense acquisition strategies, emphasizing agility and collaboration to keep pace with evolving threats and technological advances on the global battlefield.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.