Trump announces Montana 'super range' at midterm rally for Pentagon to test advanced war technology
Montana to Host New U.S. “Super Range” for Advanced Weapon Testing, President Announces
Kalispell, Mont.—In a rally‑style speech on Wednesday, President Donald J. Trump announced that the Department of Defense will establish a new military testing site in Montana, a move that could place the state at the center of next‑generation weapon development.
At the Majestic Valley Arena in Kalispell, Trump told a crowd of supporters that the Pentagon will set up a “super range” in the state to conduct tests of autonomous weapons, space and electronic warfare systems, and supersonic and hypersonic munitions. The president said the initiative would give Montana a key role in developing advanced military capabilities and that “Montana will help ensure the American military always re‑igned supreme.”
The president offered no details on where the range would be located, its cost, or when testing would begin. “The rest of our country maybe won’t be thrilled because a lot of other people wanted it also,” Trump remarked, implying that Montana’s selection was competitive among other states.
He also credited persistent lobbying from Montana’s Republican legislators. “I’ve got a lot of pressure from Montana Republicans to bring this to the state,” Trump said, joking that Sen. Tim Sheehy had repeatedly pressed him on the project. “Leave me alone, Tim. Tim Sheehy would drive me crazy,” the president quipped, acknowledging the senator’s influence.
The announcement comes amid the U.S. military’s push to develop hypersonic weapons, autonomous systems, and advanced electronic warfare capabilities. The Pentagon has identified these areas as strategic priorities, and the new range would provide a dedicated facility for testing and refining these technologies.
Trump made the announcement during his second campaign rally of the day and third stop on a “Western swing” aimed at supporting Republican candidates ahead of the midterm elections. The president was campaigning in Montana’s 1st Congressional District for House candidate Aaron Flint and Senate candidate Kurt Alme. Earlier that Wednesday, he had held a rally in Arizona, and he had also campaigned in Alaska on Tuesday.
While the president’s announcement was brief and lacking in technical specifics, it signals a clear intent to expand U.S. military testing infrastructure. Analysts note that a super‑range would allow the Department of Defense to conduct large‑scale, high‑precision trials of next‑generation weapons systems in a controlled environment, potentially giving U.S. forces a tactical advantage in emerging domains such as hypersonic flight and autonomous operations.
Montana officials have not yet issued a formal response to the announcement. The state’s legislature and local community leaders are reportedly watching closely, as the project could bring federal investment, job creation, and increased federal presence to the region—along with environmental and security concerns.
The timing of the announcement, delivered at a rally for local political candidates, underscores the ongoing link between military infrastructure development and electoral politics. The midterm elections are scheduled for November, and the president’s campaign strategy has involved highlighting national security initiatives to rally Republican voters.
In the days ahead, federal agencies are expected to provide further details on the scope, budget, and timeline of the proposed super‑range. Until then, Montana residents and lawmakers will have to weigh the potential economic benefits against the strategic implications of hosting one of the nation’s most advanced weapons testing facilities.
