NAS China Lake CA

Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake, located in California's Mojave Desert, was established in 1943 as the Naval Ordnance Test Station to support World War II weapons development and testing. Over the decades, it became a premier research, development, and testing facility for the U.S. Navy, playing a crucial role in the advancement of air-launched weapons, including the widely used Sidewinder missile. The station has continually supported U.S. military readiness by innovating and evaluating cutting-edge armament and electronic warfare systems. Today, NAWS China Lake remains an essential hub for the Navy, responsible for a significant portion of its land holdings and weapons testing operations.