The U.S. Army announced a new initiative to allow private companies, including those without existing military contracts, to use its test ranges for developing drones and missiles. This move is designed to drastically cut down the typical 12-18 month lead time for companies to test new defense technologies, which Army Secretary Dan Driscoll stated is insufficient given current global conflicts. The goal is to streamline the process, reduce red tape, and incentivize smaller, innovative companies to enter the defense market.
Five Army test ranges in the U.S. and those of allied nations are being made available through an online marketplace launched on Friday. Companies can now request access, with the Army pledging to grant it within 30 days. This program is a direct response to the Pentagon's efforts to increase the pace of weapons production and acquire cheaper, more effective armaments, particularly as global warfare evolves with rapid drone innovations and ongoing conflicts that have strained U.S. munitions stockpiles.
The initiative also addresses concerns about depleted U.S. stockpiles of advanced interceptors like Patriot and THAAD missiles, which have been used extensively in recent conflicts, such as those with Iran. A recent analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies highlighted that these shortfalls could compel the U.S. and its allies to take greater risks. The Army aims to "break down every single barrier" that has historically hindered rapid innovation and procurement, fostering closer collaboration between the military and industry to produce critical military technologies more quickly.
Major General Patrick Gaydon, commanding general of Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC), emphasized the shift in policy, noting that previously, industry requests were given the lowest priority for range access. Now, the Army wants to invite industry to innovate alongside soldiers and has empowered range commanders to approve requests, bypassing previous lengthy personal approval processes. This includes streamlining safety release processes for commercial and prototype systems, making it easier for companies to test non-type-classified systems.
