Michigan’s National All-Domain Warfighting Center (NADWC) has been designated by the U.S. Department of the Army as a national range for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) training, reinforcing the state’s leadership in aerospace and defense innovation.
“Today’s designation of the NADWC as a national test site shows that Michigan can lead the future of aerospace and continues to play a key role in protecting our national defence,”
said Gretchen Whitmer.
In recent years, Michigan has hosted an autonomous drone competition, launched a statewide Advanced Air Mobility Initiative and secured a new fighter mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. With the NADWC now recognized as a national test site, the state is building on that momentum, strengthening its appeal to advanced defence and aerospace companies, supporting high-skill jobs and driving economic growth.
Selected by the U.S. Army and National Guard Bureau, the NADWC is positioned as the nation’s premier proving ground for advanced UAS and counter-UAS capabilities. The center combines permissive operating authorities, modern infrastructure and strong ties to Michigan’s manufacturing and technology sectors to enable training and testing at speed and scale, with a focus on operational readiness.
Anchored by nearly 200,000 acres at Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center and more than 17,000 square miles of special-use airspace at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, the NADWC offers one of the most expansive joint training environments east of the Mississippi River. These Joint National Training Capability–certified sites feature varied terrain, robust electromagnetic spectrum access and a true four-season climate, allowing units to test systems and tactics in realistic, multi-domain conditions.
Home to the flagship Northern Strike exercise, the NADWC enables U.S. and allied forces to integrate unmanned systems into live-fire and combined arms operations.
“This designation is about staying focused on the warfighter,” said Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general of Michigan. “It ensures our forces are ready to succeed on the future battlefield.”
Photo: U.S. Army Specialist Elija Kirkland, 1st Battalion, 119th Field Artillery Regiment battery cannon crew member conducts drone operations during Exercise Northern Strike 24-2 at Camp Grayling, Michigan, Aug. 8, 2024.
Source: US Army