YPG conducts special weapon test for German forces

The Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) hosted German forces and conducted a special weapon test Friday.

According to Luis Arroyo, Chief of the Training Exercise Management Office for Yuma Proving Grounds, the military forces will conduct tests until next week.

Arroyo added that forces from all over the world come to YPG for the purpose of giving military personnel the effect of real battlegrounds.

“For this type of event, you usually see [it occur] during summertime,” Arroyo said. “They’re interested in getting the entire heat factor [we offer].”

YPG partnered up with the German Ministry of Defense to host an annual operational test with a new German assault rifle.

“What they’re doing today with this rifle is what is called an operational test event,” Arroyo said. “It’s a subjective non-technical evaluation of the weapon from the point of view of the user.”

Arroyo said these visiting forces conduct tests at YPG because it’s the best location to revolutionize new rifles and equipment.

“Traditionally we host the Germans and other foreign nationals,” Arroyo said. “They are very interested in the hottest part of the year because they really want to challenge their pieces of equipment.”