# Army Opens Test Ranges to Industry

The Army has opened five test ranges—four in the United States and one in Morocco—to approved companies through an online application portal, giving contractors a way to test technologies in realistic conditions. Former Army Secretary Dan Driscoll said the approach could shorten Army range testing from as long as 18 months to as little as 30 days. The Air Force is evaluating a similar access model with Army counterparts, but had announced neither a program nor a solicitation as of October 8, 2026.

- Companies seeking Army range access can use the online application portal; they should also account for information-security and imagery risks when planning tests.
- Faster testing may help contractors demonstrate technology sooner, supporting product development and preparation for government procurement opportunities.
- The Air Force opportunity remains under evaluation, not an announced program or solicitation; companies should not treat it as an active procurement.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** October 08, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Army (Army)
- U.S. Air Force (Air Force)
- Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC)
- Air Force Test Center (AFTC)

### Key Quotes
> A company with a good idea shouldn’t need a team of lawyers and a program of record just to prove their equipment works.
> — Dan Driscoll, former Army Secretary

### Sources
- [US Air Force, Army eye industry access on test ranges](https://www.defensenews.com/industry/techwatch/2026/10/08/us-air-force-army-eye-industry-access-on-test-ranges) - Defense News