Vidsel Test Range


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

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 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.