Yodaville: Arizona’s Fake City Built for U.S. Air Force

A City with No Residents

Hidden in the Arizona desert, Yodaville is not your typical town. Officially known as the Urban Target Complex, this fake city was built by the U.S. Air Force as a training ground for precision airstrikes and urban warfare scenarios. Complete with buildings and streets, Yodaville is entirely uninhabited, yet it serves a critical role in military preparedness.

Constructed in 1999, Yodaville was designed to replicate the challenges of urban combat. The site provides pilots and ground forces with a realistic environment to practice operations without risking civilian lives.

Location and Operations

Yodaville is located in a remote area of Arizona, far from civilian populations. Its isolation allows for live munitions training and advanced testing without interference. The site is part of the Barry M. Goldwater Range, one of the largest military ranges in the United States.