Michigan Named National Drone Training Site

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Michigan has been selected as a national training site for advanced military drone operations, reinforcing the state's growing role in uncrewed aerial systems and defense readiness. The U.S. Army and National Guard Bureau have designated the state's National All-Domain Warfighting Center as a key facility for drone testing and training, offering nearly 148,000 acres of year-round training terrain, access to restricted military airspace over Lake Huron, and infrastructure designed for long-range and autonomous drone operations.

Why it matters

The selection of Michigan as a national drone training site highlights the state's increasing prominence in the development and oversight of uncrewed aerial systems. This designation positions Michigan as a leader in both drone innovation and regulation, as the state advances legislation to address drone safety, critical infrastructure protection, and enforcement standards.

The details

The federal designation of Michigan's National All-Domain Warfighting Center as a national drone training site comes after a bipartisan push from state lawmakers. The center offers unique capabilities, including nearly 148,000 acres of year-round training terrain, access to restricted military airspace over Lake Huron, and infrastructure designed for long-range and autonomous drone operations. Officials say the site allows integrated training across land, air, maritime, cyber, and space domains at lower cost than comparable facilities.

• The U.S. Army and National Guard Bureau have designated Michigan's National All-Domain Warfighting Center as a key facility for drone testing and training.

What’s next

The announcement comes as Bruck's S.H.I.E.L.D. Michigan package, which focuses on drone safety, critical infrastructure protection, and enforcement standards, advances in the state legislature.