The US Army is letting private defense companies use military test areas. They promise to make the testing process faster for these companies.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll said companies can start testing within 30 days of asking, which is much faster than the usual 18 months.

Driscoll said the Army needs to change its ways. He said if a company asks to test something now, they can be on a test range within 30 days.

'A new kind of war' is happening in Ukraine with hidden factories making combat drones.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll talked to reporters about the Army's modernization plans.

The Army wants to speed up the development of new technologies like drones and counter-drone systems.

Driscoll said the Army is trying to be more innovative and work faster, like the commercial sector. They want to remove barriers that have been in place for years.

The Army is opening four test locations in the US for companies to use.

The Pentagon is looking at new nuclear options as other countries increase their military capabilities.

A laser system to stop drones was tested on a military vehicle in Ukraine.

The Army is working with other commands to give companies access to test areas. Companies can ask for test time online and will get help from a dedicated team.

Driscoll said a company with a good idea should not need a lot of lawyers and contracts to test their equipment.

A company called Antares reached a major milestone in a nuclear project.

The test ranges will give companies a realistic place to test and improve their technologies.

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The Army said that asking to test something does not mean a company will get their preferred location or date, but they will try to find a time that works.

Liz Friden works at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.