Army Streamlines Weapon Testing for Defense Startups at Ranges

WHO:

Fox News - Army Secretary Dan Driscoll announced the initiative.

ABC News Business - The U.S. Army is involved in opening test ranges to private companies.

WHAT:

Bloomberg - The Pentagon's plan includes opening up five military ranges to private industry for weapon testing.

Fox News - Defense companies can now book military test ranges within 30 days through a new online portal.

ABC News Business - The Army is allowing private companies to test weapons, specifically missiles and drones, at military ranges.

WHERE:

ABC News Business - The testing will occur at military ranges across the United States.

WHEN:

Fox News - The new online portal for booking military test ranges is now available.

WHY:

ABC News Business - The initiative aims to expedite the process of getting weapons to the battlefield.

HOW:

Fox News - The Army is providing "concierge access" to facilitate the booking process for defense firms.

(UPDATED August 7, 2026 22:31 UTC)

The Pentagon has announced a new plan to open five military ranges to private industry for weapon testing. This initiative aims to enhance collaboration between the military and private sector companies. The move is expected to streamline the development and testing of advanced weaponry.

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(UPDATED August 7, 2026 19:53 UTC)

In a significant development, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll announced that the U.S. Army is opening military test ranges to private companies, allowing defense firms to test weapons like missiles and drones at locations across the country. Companies can now book these military test ranges within just 30 days through a new online portal, which is designed to expedite the process of getting weapons to the battlefield. To further assist defense firms, the Army is providing "concierge access" to streamline the booking process.