Camp Shelby designated as permissive test range

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WXXV)- In Hattiesburg, Camp Shelby has been designated as a permissive test range, expanding its role in developing and testing emerging military technology.

The Mississippi National Guard and US Army Test and Evaluation Command announced the designation Tuesday at the camp.

The move will support testing of unmanned aircraft systems, counter-drone capabilities, and other technologies aimed at improving war fighter readiness at Camp Shelby.

Governor Tate Reeves, Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith, and military leaders were on hand for the announcement.

The designation is part of a broader Army initiative to expand and streamline private industry access to military test ranges.