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US Air Force Considers Industry Access to Test Ranges

October 9, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

US Air Force considers opening test ranges to industry.
Move aims to speed innovation and get tech to warfighters faster.
Air Force is working with the Army to understand the concept.
Industry access may help accelerate development of new technologies.

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Strategic Implications

This move may indicate a shift in the US military's approach to innovation, potentially accelerating the development of new technologies. The Air Force's consideration of industry access to test ranges suggests a willingness to collaborate with commercial companies, which could lead to faster and more efficient innovation. However, it also raises concerns about information security and the potential risks of sharing sensitive information with external partners.

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What Happened

Air Force Explores Opening Test Ranges to Commercial Companies

The US Air Force is considering opening its test ranges to commercial companies, following a similar move by the Army earlier this year. The Air Force Test Center commander, Brig. Gen. Mark Massaro, said that service leaders are working with the Army to understand how to apply the concept, which aims to speed innovation and get new technologies to warfighters faster. The move could help industry accelerate development of new technologies, but also raises concerns about information security. The development was reported by Air Force Times.

Source | Originally Published: October 8, 2026

Companies Mentioned