Army Invites Industry to Test Drones in Electronic Warfare
The Permissive Test Range Initiative lets companies test systems in contested electromagnetic conditions outside government evaluation.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Military Jobs
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The U.S. Army launched the Permissive Test Range Initiative in August 2026, inviting private industry to test drone and counter-drone systems in electromagnetic unreliability test events. The inaugural event at Camp Grayling, Michigan, in September 2026 included four drone companies in a non-competitive setting.
Why it matters
The events subject vendor systems to denied, degraded and intermittent spectrum conditions, a stated goal of helping the Army outpace adversaries and accelerate adoption of emerging technology. The program also creates a route for companies to gain hands-on testing experience before any formal government evaluation.
Four drone companies took part in the September 2026 Camp Grayling event, the first under the initiative. Three additional large-scale events are scheduled for 2027, though the source does not say how many vendors will be accepted to each.
The players
U.S. Army
The U.S. Army is the land warfare branch of the United States armed forces and runs the initiative through its testing and acquisition programs.
Threat Systems Management Office
The Threat Systems Management Office is an Army organization that develops and tests threat simulation capabilities and co-created the electromagnetic events.
The details
Companies test systems in denied, degraded, intermittent and limited electromagnetic spectrum conditions, with a dedicated government concierge guiding them through scheduling. The Dugway Proving Ground event will add long-range fires and low-cost interceptor testing, which were not part of the Camp Grayling event.
Timeline
August 2026: Permissive Test Range Initiative launched.
September 2026: Inaugural electromagnetic test event held at Camp Grayling, Michigan.
Feb. 1-5, 2027: Test event at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah.
June 14-18, 2027: Test event at West Cibola Range, Arizona.
Sept. 20-24, 2027: Test event at Camp Shelby, Mississippi.
Military Jobs
The initiative extends the Threat Systems Management Office's threat-simulation work by opening contested-spectrum testing to private drone vendors. It positions industry as a partner in preparing counter-drone and electronic warfare capabilities ahead of 2027 events at four U.S. ranges.
Companies interested in participating can submit requests through the U.S. Army Test Range Portal, where a government concierge helps with scheduling. Vendors should note the Dugway event will add long-range fires and low-cost interceptor testing.
The takeaway
Companies seeking defense work can request participation in the 2027 electromagnetic test events through the Army portal. Early access to contested-spectrum testing may help vendors refine systems before any formal evaluation.
What happens next
Three large-scale electromagnetic unreliability events are scheduled for February 1-5, 2027 at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah; June 14-18, 2027 at West Cibola Range, Arizona; and September 20-24, 2027 at Camp Shelby, Mississippi.
Further reading
Explore more on the Military Jobs section for context on defense sector opportunities.
More information
Submit a participation request through the U.S. Army Test Range Portal.
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