Vidsel Test Range is a Swedish strategic national test and evaluation asset operated by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), a part of the Swedish Ministry of Defence, near Vidsel.

Vidsel Test Range
Near Vidsel in Sweden
An old target missile (RB 02) displayed at the entrance to the Vidsel Test Range
Coordinates65°52′50.3″N 20°6′59.5″E / 65.880639°N 20.116528°E / 65.880639; 20.116528
TypeAerospace (military/civil)
Site information
OperatorSwedish Defence Materiel Administration
StatusActive
Site history
In use1958–present
A US M142 HIMARS fires a missile at Vidsel during an exercise.

Physical attributes

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Vidsel Test Range is located in the north of Sweden, in a region with an extremely low population and little air-traffic.

Restricted airspace

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Vidsel Test Range has a permanently restricted airspace, called R02 in the Swedish system.

It covers the suspended ground space and is 7,200 km2 in size, with GND/UNL altitude restriction.

Suspended ground-space

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Vidsel Test Range has a 3,300 km2 large ground area, that is prohibited to enter for non-authorized personnel.

1,600 km2 is the original test area established 1958, and is suspended year-around.
1,700 km2 (divided in one 1600 km2 and one 100 km2 part) is only used and suspended when special demands calls for a larger area. The extended range can be used Sept-Jun.

Local impacts

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There are uncertainties and critique regarding negative impacts for the local environment and population, including the indigenous population of Sámi people and their herding of reindeers.

See also

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References

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"Vidsel Range Order", ed 1.1, Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), 2009

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