Arizona Defense and Industry Coalition hosts Yuma Proving Ground tour

The Arizona Defense and Industry Coalition (AZDIC) is hosting a two-day tour of the Yuma Proving Ground (YPG), one of the largest military installations in the Western world in Yuma, Arizona on April 12-13. The tour will allow local defense contractors and subcontractors to learn about YPG’s advanced military asset testing capabilities and discover how they can best utilize them.

YPG is capable of planning, conducting, assessing, analyzing, reporting, and supporting developmental, production, and operational tests for the defense industry. The AZDIC says that many Arizona-based defense contractors and subcontractors are outsourcing their military testing to other states without realizing that YPG is right in their backyard. The Yuma Proving Ground is at the forefront of Army modernization efforts yet needs to be utilized by local industry players.

“Arizona has—and always will be—a hotbed for national defense,” AZDIC President Lynndy Smith said. “It is important that the defense community knows that YPG is here and is a seriously viable competitive option for their defense testing. This tour allows the Arizona defense community to collaborate and determine how to work together best to advance their individual and collective goals.”

On April 12, a YPG test director will give private onsite tours to interested defense contractors and subcontractors. YPG’s testing expertise spans ground weapons systems, helicopter armament, target acquisition systems, artillery and tank munitions, and cargo and personnel parachutes, including guided systems technologies. Participants will see each of these disciplines firsthand and can ask questions about the facilities operations and what testing is feasible for them.

The following day, attendees will have the opportunity for one-on-one meetings with AZDIC leadership and congressional staff members to discuss their needs and how YPG can assist them. These conversations will also provide an opportunity for feedback on how YPG can improve its testing facilities to meet current industry needs. In addition, contractors can attend a luncheon with Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls.

AZDIC is a coalition of regional organizations inspired by former U.S. Senator John McCain to act as a united voice and advocate for regional and national security effortsc. The group comprises the defense and mining industries, military, veterans, and more. Founding members include West Valley Defense Alliance (WVDA), Mesa Industry & Defense Council (MIDC), Southern Arizona Defense Alliance (SADA), and Yuma 50. Together, these groups work closely to foster innovation and advocate for those providing critical resources and services to the U.S. national security efforts. AZDIC’s mission is to unify the state’s defense industry and its stakeholders to help secure regional and national security through better communication and policy reform.

The Yuma Proving Ground tour allows local defense contractors and subcontractors to learn about YPG’s advanced military asset testing capabilities and discover how they can best utilize them.