US Army opens test ranges to small companies to try to get weapons quicker to the battlefield
- The U.S. Army is opening test ranges to private companies developing missiles, drones, and other weapons.
- Army Secretary Dan Driscoll stated that this effort aims to reduce the bureaucratic delays in acquiring new weapons.
- Companies can access U.S. or allied test ranges within 30 days of submitting a request through a new online marketplace.
- The initiative is partly inspired by the rapid production of weapon systems observed during the Ukraine conflict.
- Covenant Industries has already tested a new cruise missile under this program, demonstrating its effectiveness.
The U.S. Army announced that it is opening test ranges to private companies in an effort to expedite the acquisition of missiles, drones, and other weaponry for battlefield use. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll emphasized that this initiative aims to cut down the lengthy bureaucratic processes that can delay military contractors for months or even years.
Companies will now be able to gain access to test ranges in the U.S. or those belonging to allied nations within 30 days of making a request through a newly launched online marketplace. Driscoll noted that the current timeline for testing new technologies can take 12 to 18 months, which he deemed insufficient for enhancing soldier safety and effectiveness.
This announcement comes amid evolving warfare dynamics globally, particularly highlighted by the recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. The Army's move is also a response to the depletion of advanced weapon stockpiles due to ongoing military engagements, prompting a need for faster production and innovation in weapon systems. The first company to utilize this new program successfully tested a cruise missile, showcasing a pathway for other companies to follow in developing new military technologies.
美国陆军向小型公司开放测试场以加快武器部署
美国陆军宣布，正在向私营公司开放测试场，以加快导弹、无人机和其他武器的采购，以便在战场上使用。陆军部长丹·德里斯科尔强调，此举旨在缩短可能使军事承包商延误数月甚至数年的冗长官僚程序。
公司现在可以通过新启动的在线市场，在提交请求后30天内获得美国或盟友国家的测试场访问权限。德里斯科尔指出，目前测试新技术的时间框架可能需要12到18个月，他认为这对于提高士兵的安全性和有效性来说是不够的。
这一公告是在全球战争动态不断演变的背景下发布的，特别是近期乌克兰和中东的冲突凸显了这一点。陆军的这一举措也是对由于持续军事行动而导致的先进武器库存减少的回应，迫切需要加快武器系统的生产和创新。第一家利用这一新计划的公司成功测试了一种巡航导弹，展示了其他公司在开发新军事技术时可以遵循的路径。