Terre Haute to Launch Midwest UAS Test Site October 29
A new federally designated testing facility for unmanned aircraft will open at the Terre Haute Regional Airport.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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The Applied Research Institute and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation are set to open the Midwest UAS Test Site on October 29, 2026. This facility represents one of nine federally designated Unmanned Aircraft System test sites in the United States.
Why it matters
The site will serve as a crucial hub for bridging the gap from conceptual design to operational capability for commercial enterprises and national security applications. By providing access to active airspace, it enables rigorous testing of unmanned systems in a controlled environment.
The Midwest UAS Test Site is one of nine federally designated locations in the nation for unmanned aircraft testing. It operates from the James Hangar, located at 581 S. Airport Street within the Terre Haute Regional Airport.
The players
Applied Research Institute
This organization leads research initiatives and works to bridge the gap between emerging technology concepts and practical, large-scale deployment.
Indiana Economic Development Corporation
This state agency focuses on driving economic growth through partnerships, infrastructure development, and attracting new industry investments to Indiana.
The details
The facility will support industry membership and active flight testing operations to advance unmanned aviation technology. It is designed to provide developers with a real-world environment where unmanned systems can be tested within active airspace.
Timeline
The ribbon cutting and launch ceremony will occur on October 29, 2026.
Media and guest check-in begins at 2:30 p.m. ET on October 29, 2026.
The official program commences at 3:00 p.m. ET on October 29, 2026.
Market Landscape
This facility operates under the framework established by the FAA's Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Pilot Program to safely normalize commercial drone use. It positions the region as a central hub in the competitive race to commercialize and secure domestic unmanned airspace.
Local residents and businesses may notice increased activity at the Terre Haute Regional Airport as the site begins active flight operations. This development serves as a milestone for the local technology sector, potentially attracting further investment and high-skill aviation roles to the area.
The takeaway
The opening of this specialized test site underscores the region's commitment to advancing the commercial and security applications of drone technology. Residents and local firms should anticipate continued growth in the aviation sector as testing capabilities scale in the coming months.
What happens next
The ribbon cutting and launch ceremony is scheduled for October 29, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. ET.
Further reading
Learn more about new commercial developments in Terre Haute Openings & Closings.
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