Trump Says Pentagon Will Build ‘Super Range’ in Montana to Test Advanced Weapons
President Donald Trump announced at a Wednesday rally in Kalispell that the Department of War will build a new "super range" in Montana for testing autonomous weapons, space and electronic warfare technology, and hypersonic systems. No location, cost or timeline was given.
KALISPELL, Mont. — President Donald Trump told supporters at a midterm campaign rally here Wednesday that the Pentagon will establish a new “super range” in Montana for testing advanced weapons and warfare technology.
“I’m pleased to inform you and announce that right here in Montana, the Department of War is going to establish a new super range for testing advanced weapons and technologies,” Trump said at the Majestic Valley Arena in Kalispell.
Trump said the range would support testing of autonomous weapons, space and electronic warfare technology, and supersonic and hypersonic systems. Hypersonic weapons, which can travel at least five times the speed of sound, are among the advanced military capabilities under development by the Pentagon, according to the Government Accountability Office, as reported by Fox News.
Big pitch, few details
The president gave no location for the range, no cost estimate and no timeline for when testing would begin. He suggested the project had been sought by other states as well: “The rest of our country maybe won’t be thrilled because a lot of other people wanted it also,” he said.
Trump credited Montana’s Republican lawmakers with pressing for the project, joking that Sen. Tim Sheehy had lobbied him repeatedly. “You’re getting it, everybody, will you please leave me alone?” Trump said. “Leave me alone, Tim. Tim Sheehy would drive me crazy.”
“Montana will help ensure the American military always reigned supreme,” he told the crowd.
Third stop on a western campaign swing
The announcement came during Trump’s second rally of the day and third stop on a western swing aimed at boosting Republican candidates ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections. He campaigned in Montana’s 1st Congressional District for House candidate Aaron Flint and Senate candidate Kurt Alme, after a rally in Arizona earlier Wednesday and a stop in Alaska on Tuesday, according to Fox News.
Reporting based on coverage by Fox News.
