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.
A US M142 HIMARS fires a missile at Vidsel during an exercise.
Physical attributes
Vidsel Test Range is located in the north of Sweden, in a region with an extremely low population and little air-traffic.
Restricted airspace
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
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
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.
