Peace Garden News

Senator John Hoeven recently discussed national security and counter-UAS opportunities with General James Slife, the Air Force Vice Chief of Staff, in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Hoeven emphasized the region's potential to enhance national security through its expertise in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and highlighted several initiatives.

One of the key projects is Project ULTRA, for which Hoeven is working to secure an increased contract ceiling. This project aims to expand its scope to support the development of counter-UAS technology. According to Hoeven, "Project ULTRA can serve as a bridge between an existing DoD contracting vehicle and new counter-UAS capabilities being developed in the private sector."

Additionally, efforts are underway to link the Federal Aviation Administration's unfiltered radar data feed with the Northern Plains UAS Test Site. Once integrated, this system will help detect, identify, and track malicious UAS activities. With these advancements, Grand Forks could become a pivotal location for developing methods to protect domestic U.S. military bases from potential drone threats.

Hoeven also discussed plans to bring a future intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) mission to Grand Forks Air Force Base. As part of his role on the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, he is advocating for sufficient ISR capacity to support global military operations. The senator is promoting both airborne and space-based missions as means to expand ISR capabilities in Grand Forks.

"The Grand Forks region offers capabilities and capacity unlike anywhere else," said Hoeven. He added that it includes "protecting against the malicious use of drones" and leveraging local expertise in ISR and satellite operations. He expressed optimism about North Dakota's potential contributions: "Having General Slife here...presents a great opportunity...With Project ULTRA receiving a contract increase...we have the pieces in place to meet these critical military needs."