WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army announced it is opening four premier test ranges to private industry in an effort to accelerate delivery of critical capabilities to the warfighter, the service said.
The move drew praise from Mississippi officials. A Facebook post from the Mississippi National Guard called the announcement “a win for our state, the Mississippi National Guard, and American innovation” and invited companies to “come test and innovate at Camp Shelby,” saying troops there are ready to support testing.
Army test ranges are used to evaluate weapons, sensors, communications systems and training technologies in realistic conditions. Allowing private companies greater access can shorten development timelines by enabling earlier, larger-scale trials of prototypes and by reducing administrative barriers that can slow fielding.
Camp Shelby, near Hattiesburg, is one of the largest state-owned training sites and often hosts National Guard and active-duty units for live training and exercises. Officials said expanded industry access could strengthen public-private partnerships that support military readiness and technological innovation.
Details about which specific ranges will open, access procedures and timelines were not provided in the announcement. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
