Banks Urged Army to Expand Indiana Test Ranges
Indiana lawmakers have requested that two state military sites receive Premier Test Range designations.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Military
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Senator Jim Banks and fellow Indiana lawmakers formally petitioned the Army to name Camp Atterbury and the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center as Premier Test Ranges. The move seeks to accelerate the development of drone technology and counter-UAS systems by streamlining testing processes.
Why it matters
This designation is intended to mitigate future scheduling bottlenecks for defense testing. It would facilitate stronger collaboration between private-sector innovators and active operational environments.
Camp Atterbury features over 51 square miles of restricted airspace extending to Flight Level 400. Muscatatuck provides specialized infrastructure for urban warfare and electronic attack testing.
The players
Jim Banks
Jim Banks is a Republican United States Senator representing the state of Indiana.
Adam Telle
Adam Telle is the Acting Secretary of the Army currently overseeing facility designations.
The details
The proposal aims to leverage Indiana existing status as an FAA Unmanned Aircraft System Test Site. By utilizing both Class G and Special Use Airspace, the facilities would provide a dual-environment testing ground for advanced unmanned systems.
Timeline
September 30, 2026: Indiana Congressional members sent a formal request letter to the Army.
Political Context
The proposal relies on the framework of the Permissive Test Range Expansion Initiative to modernize defense testing infrastructure. Opponents of similar defense expansions often cite concerns regarding the encroachment of military testing zones on local civilian airspace and land use.
The proposed designation aims to accelerate local defense innovation, which could bolster state-based military-industrial employment. Residents may see changes in air traffic management or increased activity at the designated training facilities.
The takeaway
Securing Premier Test Range status could position Indiana as a critical hub for the national unmanned defense sector. This push reflects a broader strategic focus on integrating private-sector technical agility with traditional military readiness requirements.
Further reading
For broader information on defense initiatives in the state, visit Indiana Military.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WBIW.
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