Europe’s largest overland proving ground
We know foreign military and defence forces often prefer to do much of their test and evaluation (T&E) on home soil. But sometimes realistic testing scenarios demand more. Sometimes, you’ve got to go big. And when you’re talking big, there’s nowhere like Vidsel.
Vidsel offers a truly stand-out testing location, with 3300 km² restricted ground area and 8800 km² restricted air space over remote, unpopulated and varied terrain. Open all year round, you can experience 24 hours of sunlight in summer, or four-hour days in winter. From -35°C and snow to a sunny 30°C – whatever conditions you’re looking to test in you can likely find them here in northern Sweden.
Ready to go big?
Explore the test systems and infrastructure at FMV Vidsel Test Range and discover what's possible.
Vidsel Test Range capabilities
As well as an airbase, FMV Vidsel Test Range offers functional, development, capability and operational T&E of:
- Complete systems for airborne platforms
- Long-range missiles
- Laser-guided bombs
- Ground-based Air Defence (GBAD)
- Long-range artillery systems
- Electronic warfare
Vidsel can also host flight training and combat readiness exercises.
Explore our full range of air T&E capabilities here
Leading facilities with world-class support
Vidsel Test Range doesn’t only offer unique facilities and capabilities. In addition to cutting-edge testing systems and infrastructure, you’ll also have the dedicated support of our highly experienced and competent staff throughout, ready to guide you every step of the way.
Want to find out more about what Vidsel Test Range has to offer?
History
1958: The range is founded as Robot Försöksplats Norrland (RFN). The first tests involve missile weapons for J35 Draken (Dragon).
1960: Following a parliamentary resolution, the airbase territory is expanded to the current test range area. The launch area at Point C is prepared and the first missile (Rb322) is launched.
1965: The test range is declared as a restricted area with no admittance for unauthorized persons.
1966: The first test campaign with a foreign customer is undertaken, with the French-German project Transall C160 conducting technical winter tests.
1967: A road network is established in the test range, and the first Rb69 Red Eye is launched at target drone 03 (the Bumblebee).
1977: The maiden launch for target drone 06 is held, and Armasuisse becomes a recurrent customer of FMV T&E.
1982: The first RB77 HAWK is launched in the test area.
1991: The premiere landing of JAS 39 Gripen occurs at Vidsel Air Base - Flight No. 300 with Target Drone 06.
1996: Testing of RBS 23 BAMSE starts.
2004: Testing of space shuttle Phoenix is undertaken in cooperation with Esrange Space Center in Kiruna.
2008: Vidsel Test Range celebrates its 50-year anniversary.
2013: Our maiden launch is held with the current Target Drone BQM167i (Loddi).
2019: The final flight for Target Drone 06 is held, ending with it being shot down.
2022: Multi-object tracking radar operational