Midwest UAS Test Site of Indiana

Build Here.
Test Here.

Advancing real-world testing, validation and deployment

A real-world environment where unmanned systems are tested in active airspace — with the speed and access needed to move from concept to capability.

Submit a Test Site Inquiry Explore Capabilities

Advancing real-world testing, validation and deployment

The Midwest UAS Test Site of Indiana provides a real-world environment where unmanned systems are tested in active airspace with the speed and access needed to move from concept to capability.

Built on Indiana's strengths in manufacturing, defense and research, the test site connects design, testing and deployment — supporting both commercial and national security applications.

Its purpose extends beyond validating functionality; it ensures that technologies are not only effective but also capable of scaling into operational, mission-ready capabilities.

Why test in Indiana

Of only 9 Federally designated UAS test sites in the nation

  • Speed & Access

    Fast, flexible access to testing environments with streamlined coordination and minimal friction.

  • End-to-End Ecosystem

    Integrated testing, manufacturing and top-tier research in one onshore ecosystem.

  • Expanding Urban & BVLOS Testing

    A 225+ mile BVLOS corridor has preliminary approval and a dense urban canyon component is proposed — both in development and subject to regulatory approval.

  • Defense Installation Access

    Access to military testing environments at Camp Atterbury, Muscatatuck and NSWC Crane.

Official launch recap

A new era of unmanned aviation begins here

The launch of the Midwest UAS Test Site of Indiana marks a significant milestone for unmanned aviation, bringing together leaders in defense, manufacturing, research and technology to accelerate the future of flight.

Read the full press release (opens in a new tab)

Leadership Vision

What Indiana's leaders are saying

The Midwest and Great Lakes region already knows how to build things that matter. This initiative connects that manufacturing strength with the flight testing, defense expertise and research capabilities needed to bring new aviation technologies to market. Our ambition reaches across the region: help innovators develop their systems, prove them in relevant environments and build them here.

Andrew Kossack speaking at a lectern bearing the Midwest UAS Test Site shield, in front of a large American flag.
Andrew Kossack President and CEO, Applied Research Institute

Our state is uniquely positioned to help lead the way in the development and deployment of this important technology. With our strong defense industry, advanced manufacturing capabilities, innovative colleges and universities, and skilled Hoosier workforce, Indiana is ready to help unleash American Drone Dominance.

U.S. Senator Todd Young speaking at a lectern bearing the Midwest UAS Test Site shield, in front of a large American flag.
Todd Young U.S. Senator for Indiana

Indiana has always stepped up to use our skills and labor to support America's defense. Indiana's advanced manufacturing capacity and our concentration of defense and research assets make us uniquely suited to lead in America's pursuit of drone dominance.

Governor Mike Braun speaking at a lectern bearing the Midwest UAS Test Site shield, between the American and Indiana flags.
Mike Braun Governor of Indiana

What makes this even more special is the opportunity it creates for innovators not just to test here, not just to innovate here, but to iterate here: to pilot new technologies, to tackle new challenges, and to move from benchtop to flight and then to full-scale production. Let Indiana be the domestic capital for drone and UAS manufacturing.

Mitch Frazier speaking at a lectern bearing the Midwest UAS Test Site shield, between the American and Indiana flags.
Mitch Frazier President, Indiana Economic Development Corporation

Built for testing.
Designed to scale.

Indiana brings together airspace, infrastructure and partnerships to support the full lifecycle of autonomous systems — from early testing to real-world deployment.

  • Airspace & Test Infrastructure

    Access to multi-domain airspace with agile business-speed contracting and rapid scheduling.

  • Manufacturing Strength

    The most manufacturing-intensive state in the U.S., with leadership in aerospace, automotive and advanced production.

  • Research & Engineering

    A strong technical foundation powered by Tier 1 universities, supporting next-generation capabilities.

  • Defense Integration

    Direct access to military testing environments and programs at Camp Atterbury, Muscatatuck and NSWC Crane.

Advancing the future of flight

Indiana's Midwest UAS Test Site is helping grow a domestic drone ecosystem by enabling real-world testing of advanced technologies. By supporting validation, manufacturing and deployment in one environment, Indiana is accelerating innovation while strengthening U.S.-based supply chains.

Test site capabilities

See more capabilities

Contact & Inquiries

Connect with our testing operations team

Whether you are looking to schedule flight time, explore research partnerships, or integrate into our onshore supply chain ecosystem, connect with our team today.

Testing Operations Inquiries

Submit a test site inquiry