Moolenaar, Slotkin, Bergman, & Peters Secure National Drone Testing Site for Michigan

Today, the Department of Defense announcedthat the National All-Domain Warfighting Center (NADWC) in Michigan as a national unmanned aerial systems testing site. Congressmen John Moolenaar and Jack Bergman, and Senators Elissa Slotkin and Gary Peters helped securethe designation from the Department of Defense.

"Michigan is ready to lead the nation in drone innovation, testing, and manufacturing," said Moolenaar. "Today's announcement is an important step forward as we reenergize Michigan's defense manufacturing industry. It will harness Michigan's private sector innovators, manufacturing expertise, and advanced training facilities to help strengthen our national security."

"When it comes to the next chapter of American defense innovation, I'm betting on Michigan," said Slotkin. "From the assembly line to advanced manufacturing, our state has always stepped up. Today, as drones reshape our national security, Michigan's selection as a national drone testing site further solidifies our state as the center of this transformation. Michigan is the proof that cutting-edge defense technology can be designed, tested, and built with American supply chains, right here at home."

"Unmanned aerial systems are now a critical component of modern warfighting," said Bergman. "I'm proud that Northern Michigan's defense assets will play a key role in ensuring our Service Members can test and refine the most advanced unmanned aerial technologies. The unique geography and unparalleled capabilities of the National All Domain Warfighting Center are truly world-class, and it is encouraging to see the Department of War fully recognize the potential of NADWC and the surrounding region. I look forward to continuing our partnership to ensure our warfighters have access to the best systems and training anywhere in the world."

"Drones play an integral role in modern-day warfare, and the National All-Domain Warfighting Center in Northern Michigan is an ideal training ground to test these technologies and help ensure we maintain our air superiority around the world," said Peters. "I was proud to work alongside our Michigan delegation to push key Department of Defense officials and secure this new designation, which will only further cement Michigan as a key asset of our national defense strategy into the future."

NADWC, the largest joint training range east of the Mississippi River, spans nearly 150,000 acres and 17,000 square miles of special use airspace, providing year-round multi-domain drone testing.

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