U.S. Military Seeks Ukraine-Like Conditions to Test Drones

The U.S. Department of Defense, in collaboration with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), aims to create a drone testing infrastructure in an environment that closely resembles combat conditions like those in Ukraine.

Defense News reported on this.

The DIU acknowledges that most test ranges in the U.S. do not permit active electronic warfare due to strict restrictions related to GPS devices, radio frequency interference, and the need to protect commercial aviation.

For example, the White Sands Missile Range – the most capable test range in the U.S. – has limited availability due to heavy demand from numerous defense companies testing various systems.

In light of this, the DIU is considering testing in other locations, including remote areas of Alaska, where the risks to civilian infrastructure are significantly lower.

Former participants in DIU programs emphasize that the experience gained in Ukraine has had a decisive impact on the development of unmanned systems.

Operators who tested their systems directly on the front lines gained daily hands-on experience countering electronic warfare, GPS jamming, and operating in other challenging conditions.

In the U.S., such scenarios can only be simulated artificially, but this is hindered by complex bureaucratic procedures and restrictions from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

A significant role in implementing ‘Ukrainian scenarios’ is played by a former Artemis program manager at DIU, who now advises defense startups. According to him, testing drones in conditions similar to those in Ukraine is a key step for advancing the American technological base.

This involves nearly daily testing under conditions of active electronic warfare, loss of communication, and high demands on operators and software solutions.

Militarnyi previously reported that the United States planned to boost the production and deployment of affordable drones within its armed forces to strengthen battlefield dominance.

The Pentagon announced this initiative, highlighting a commitment to swiftly incorporate cutting-edge innovations in unmanned systems developed by American companies into military operations.