U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer questioned General Gregory Guillot, commander of United States Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), about Canada’s defense spending commitments and the growing threat of unauthorized unmanned aerial systems (UAS) over U.S. military installations during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Mar. 19.
The discussion focused on how allied defense investments and new security challenges impact U.S. homeland defense. Cramer raised concerns about whether Canada would fulfill its pledge to increase defense spending to 2% or more of its GDP by 2035, noting past unfulfilled promises from some countries. “Is there pretty solid evidence that they’re acting on that commitment to get to that 2% or greater in their defense budget?” Cramer asked.
Guillot responded that while procurement and employment take time, he sees “full commitment and full eagerness to expand” from Canada at his level. The hearing also addressed the rise in drone incursions, with the Department of War detecting more than 350 incidents across over 100 U.S. military installations in 2024 alone.
To address these threats, Grand Forks Air Force Base has been designated as the Point Defense Battle Lab under Air Combat Command, leading efforts to develop advanced techniques for countering small drones. Cramer said he will attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony for this initiative in North Dakota, stating it will help “us better inform policy as well as decisions on the spot.” He highlighted collaboration between military units like the 319th Reconnaissance Wing and industry partners at Grand Sky UAS park, calling it an “all of innovation challenge that needs to be dealt with.”
Guillot described expanded efforts within NORTHCOM: “Our command was named the ‘department synchronizer,’ not only within our department but within the interagency… Teaming with them, and installations like Grand Forks… your committee helped us last year with four authorities that we needed to ensure that we could effectively employ UAS to defend installations.” One authority allows information sharing between NORTHCOM and local entities regarding base capabilities; Guillot said such coordination is becoming increasingly necessary beyond just military bases.
Cramer also asked about higher education’s role in research for these technologies. Guillot replied, “absolutely,” explaining how universities can quickly deploy off-the-shelf systems.
Cramer assists North Dakotans with federal agencies to resolve issues and provide information, according to the official website. He served three terms as North Dakota’s at-large representative in the U.S. House before joining the Senate according to his official website. Cramer grew up in Kindred, North Dakota according to his official website, earned a bachelor’s degree from Concordia College and a master’s degree in management from the University of Mary according to his official website, and serves on several Senate committees including Environment and Public Works, Veterans’ Affairs, Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs according to his official website.
Looking ahead, both lawmakers and military leaders indicated ongoing cooperation will be needed among government agencies, industry partners, communities, and educational institutions as security threats evolve.
