New Army testing events give drone manufacturers access to realistic GPS jamming and communications interference, with three sessions scheduled for 2027.
The U.S. Army is expanding opportunities for commercial drone companies to test their technology under realistic electronic warfare conditions. The program allows developers to evaluate how their systems perform when GPS signals fail or communications face interference.
In a November 2 announcement, the Army outlined three testing events planned for 2027. The events will support companies developing drones, counter-drone systems, long-range fires, and low-cost interceptors.
Unlike traditional military procurement programs, these events do not involve competitive evaluations or supplier selections. Instead, companies can identify weaknesses, improve their systems, and test again.
Testing Drones in Contested Environments
The testing events are part of the Army’s Permissive Test Range Initiative, launched in August 2026. The program aims to give private companies easier access to military testing facilities and specialized environments.
The Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) leads the initiative. It developed the electronic warfare events with the Army’s Threat Systems Management Office.
Testing focuses on conditions where electronic signals are denied, degraded, intermittent, or limited. These conditions reflect challenges that drones face in modern conflicts, including the war in Ukraine.
“By opening our premier test facilities and providing access to realistic threat environments, we are directly enabling industry to refine their systems against the challenges of the modern battlefield,” said Maj. Gen. Pat Gaydon, commanding general of ATEC.
The Army held its first event at Camp Grayling, Michigan, in September 2026. Four drone companies participated.
According to the Army, the companies valued the opportunity to identify technical weaknesses and make improvements in a noncompetitive setting.
The approach allows developers to test, identify problems, make changes, and return to testing without facing a government selection process.
Three Testing Events Scheduled for 2027
The Army has announced three additional events:
- February 1–5: Dugway Proving Ground, Utah
- June 14–18: West Cibola Range, Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona
- September 20–24: Camp Shelby, Mississippi
The February event will expand testing beyond drones and counter-drone systems. Companies will also have opportunities to test long-range fires and low-cost interceptors.
These capabilities were not included in the initial Camp Grayling event.
Lowering Barriers for Drone Developers
The initiative reflects a broader Army effort to make military testing facilities more accessible to commercial technology companies.
Under the program announced in August, companies do not need an existing government contract or prior federal relationship to request testing opportunities.
This could benefit smaller drone manufacturers and technology developers that lack access to large testing areas or specialized electronic warfare equipment.
It also gives companies an opportunity to improve their products before pursuing military contracts.
However, participation does not guarantee a future contract or a preferred testing date. Range availability remains subject to capacity limits.
Companies interested in participating can submit requests through the U.S. Army Test Range Portal. The Army provides a dedicated contact to help applicants navigate the scheduling process.
The initiative highlights the growing importance of electronic warfare resilience as military drone programs expand. Reliable navigation and communications are increasingly critical for unmanned systems operating in contested environments.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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