Trump reveals Montana military testing range at campaign rally
President Donald Trump told supporters at a Montana midterm rally that the Pentagon will create a new military testing range in the state. The site is meant to support work on autonomous weapons, space and electronic warfare, and hypersonic systems. Trump credited Montana Republicans, including Sen. Tim Sheehy, for pushing for the project.
At a Kalispell campaign event, Trump said the Pentagon would create a new advanced military testing range in Montana. He listed autonomous weapons, space and electronic warfare, and supersonic and hypersonic systems as intended areas. He credited Montana Republicans, especially Sen. Tim Sheehy, with pressing for the project.
Trump did not disclose the range's location, cost, or testing timeline. The rally supported House candidate Aaron Flint and Senate candidate Kurt Alme during a Western campaign swing. Hypersonic systems travel at least five times the speed of sound, and the department has called autonomous systems and electronic warfare strategically important.
The proposed range could affect Montana communities near any eventual site through jobs, land use, noise, and environmental review, though no location is known. Defense contractors, researchers, and military personnel may gain new testing opportunities for autonomous, space, electronic, and hypersonic systems. Residents and taxpayers could see economic benefits or costs depending on implementation. National security debates may intensify as advanced weapons testing expands.