Montana to Host New Defense Super Range
The proposed site will utilize existing military airspace to test advanced hypersonic and autonomous systems.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Space
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President Trump announced plans to establish a new defense-focused super range in Montana for testing advanced weaponry. The Montana Spaceport and Test Range, which currently utilizes airspace near Helena, Billings, and Townsend, is central to the project.
Why it matters
This initiative aims to accelerate testing for autonomous systems, hypersonic platforms, and space warfare technology within a domestic continental corridor. It represents a significant expansion of regional testing capacity supported by a 24-organization coalition.
The proposed range leverages existing airspace for restricted operational testing, providing a geographic corridor positioned between 45 and 48 degrees north latitude. This specific trajectory is optimized for access to polar and sun-synchronous orbits.
The players
President Donald Trump
The current President of the United States who authorized the announcement of the Montana super range.
Senator Tim Sheehy
A U.S. Senator who outlined the inclusion of funding in the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act.
Montana Spaceport and Test Range
A coalition of 24 organizations currently operating testing sites across Helena, Billings, and Townsend.
Space Innovation Unit
A subsidiary of Decentral Life providing support to the Montana Spaceport and Test Range initiative.
Complete Aerospace Solutions
A subsidiary of Complete Financial Solutions involved in aerospace development and testing operations.
The details
The facility functions by integrating restricted military airspace over Townsend and Clancy to create a secure environment for high-velocity and autonomous hardware. A coalition of 24 organizations supports the range, which facilitates testing by offering a path to orbit without the complexities of traditional coastal launch sites. These sites act as a hub for testing hyperspeed systems and space-grade warfare technologies through controlled, geographically isolated flight paths.
Timeline
October 14, 2026: President Trump announced the Montana super range.
October 15, 2026: Senator Tim Sheehy discussed the feasibility study funding.
2027: The National Defense Authorization Act will cover the feasibility study.
The Tech Race
The Montana project follows the structural funding precedents established by the National Defense Authorization Act. It marks a push to establish dedicated, high-latitude inland testing corridors for autonomous and hypersonic systems against established coastal range capabilities.
Local operations at the Townsend and Clancy test sites will likely expand as the range matures from its current configuration. Residents and regional stakeholders should monitor upcoming site assessments for potential changes to restricted military airspace usage.
The takeaway
The project signifies a major move toward expanding domestic testing corridors for high-velocity warfare technologies. Stakeholders should track the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act's final implementation to confirm the feasibility study timeline.
What happens next
The 2027 National Defense Authorization Act will formalize the $10 million feasibility study, which serves as the next milestone for the range's development.
Further reading
For more on evolving orbital access, see our latest coverage in Space.
More information
View the Complete Aerospace Solutions article and video for additional range specifications.
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