Trump Announces New Military Super Range in Montana for Advanced Weapons Testing

US President Donald Trump announced plans Wednesday to establish a new military testing facility in Montana, describing the project as a defense “super range” designed to support the development of advanced weapons and emerging military technologies.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Kalispell, Montana, Trump said the Department of War would develop the facility to test autonomous weapons, space defense systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and supersonic and hypersonic weapons.

The announcement comes as the United States seeks to strengthen its military capabilities through next-generation defense technologies, including artificial intelligence-powered systems and high-speed weapons.

“I’m pleased to inform you and announce that right here in Montana, the Department of War is going to establish a new super range for testing advanced weapons and technologies,” Trump told supporters.

“Montana will help ensure the American military always reigns supreme,” he added.

Kalispell, a city of approximately 30,000 residents located about 200 miles northwest of Helena, hosted the announcement during Trump's campaign tour supporting Republican candidates ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.

Montana already hosts aerospace and military testing initiatives, including the Montana Spaceport & Test Range and the Limestone Hills Innovation & Test Campus. These public-private projects support infrastructure development and testing for commercial, civilian, and military applications.

However, Trump did not clarify whether the proposed military super range would operate independently or collaborate with existing defense facilities in the state.

The planned installation could support several technologies considered increasingly important to modern warfare. Autonomous weapons and AI-powered drones offer opportunities to conduct military operations while reducing personnel exposure, while electronic warfare systems can disrupt enemy communications and surveillance capabilities.

Hypersonic weapons, which travel faster than five times the speed of sound, are another major focus of advanced military development. Supersonic weapons exceed the speed of sound, or Mach 1.

Trump has previously emphasized expanding American space defense capabilities, including establishing the US Space Force as an independent military branch in 2019.

The Montana defense project announcement also reflects Trump's strategy of highlighting federal initiatives during campaign appearances as Republicans face unexpectedly competitive races in traditionally conservative states.

The November 3 elections will determine control of all 435 seats in the US House of Representatives and 35 of the Senate's 100 seats, making the midterms a crucial political contest for both parties.