Trump Announces Advanced Defense Test Range to Be Built in Montana

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Oct. 14 that a new defense “super range” will be established in Montana to test advanced military technologies. The declaration was made during a campaign event in Kalispell, a city of about 30,000 residents located roughly 320 km northwest of the state capital, Helena.

According to the president, the facility will support testing of autonomous weapons, space systems, electronic‑warfare equipment, as well as supersonic and hypersonic weapons. Trump said the range will help ensure that “the American military always reigns supreme.” He described the initiative as a project of the Department of War.

The announcement came as Trump toured the state in support of Republican candidates ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections, a trip that reflects a broader push by the party in several Republican‑leaning states where contests have become unexpectedly tight.

Montana already hosts the Montana Spaceport & Test Range and the affiliated Limestone Hills Innovation & Test Campus, a public‑private aerospace and defense effort that provides testing facilities for commercial, civil and military applications. Trump did not specify whether the new Pentagon‑run super range will be linked to these existing installations.

The proposal adds to ongoing discussions about expanding U.S. capabilities in emerging weapon technologies, with the president emphasizing the strategic importance of the new testing site for future defense readiness.