Peace Garden News

North Dakota's role in advancing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and counter-drone technology was highlighted at the inaugural Versus UAS/Counter-UAS Symposium, held at Camp Grafton. The event, hosted by Anno.Ai and Dunlevy Consulting, aimed to showcase the state's defense ecosystem and its emergence as a center of excellence for UAS innovation.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), who chairs the Senate Armed Services Airland Subcommittee, delivered opening remarks to attendees. Cramer, recipient of the 2024 UAS Sky Pioneer Award, spoke about North Dakota's contributions to national security and the importance of continued investment in testing and deploying new technologies.

“The UAS threat is not new, but we are waking up to how significant the threat is and the absolute need to get ahead of it,” said Cramer. “North Dakota provides the best iteration and testing space in the country with lower levels of bureaucracy, wide open spaces, and a state government unafraid of putting money towards national defense technologies.”

The symposium comes after a 2024 drone attack on Erbil Air Base in Iraq by an Iran-affiliated militant group left three service members wounded, including North Dakota native Garrett Illerbrunn. While subsequent U.S. strikes were effective, officials underscored that proactive technological capabilities are necessary to prevent such incidents.

“Thanks to everyone who had a part in putting this together, thanks to everyone who traveled here to present or to listen, and thanks to everyone who truly wants to advance counter-UAS so no American or ally is left defenseless like Garrett Illerbrunn,” added Cramer.

A live demonstration during the symposium showed operational scenarios using both UAS and counter-UAS systems. Brigadier General Mitch Johnson from the North Dakota National Guard gave a presentation outlining how state initiatives support growing demands for testing infrastructure.

North Dakota’s leadership includes leveraging resources like the University of North Dakota’s Space Studies program alongside federal assets such as Grand Forks Air Force Base. The base plays a key role in intelligence operations and hosts elements of the Space Development Agency focused on addressing global threats.

National efforts have also been prioritized at the executive level. President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty” in June that directs several federal agencies—including Homeland Security and Defense—to strengthen counter-UAS capacities across government sectors.

Additionally, July saw an announcement from the Department of Defense establishing a Joint Interagency Task Force under Army leadership dedicated to accelerating counter-UAS development. Congress has allocated more than $1.3 billion for these programs through recent legislation supporting further research, production, and integration into defense operations.