Peace Garden News

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) addressed the 19th annual Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Summit and Expo in Grand Forks through virtual remarks, as both he and U.S. Secretary of Transportation and National Aeronautics and Space Administration Interim Administrator Sean Duffy were unable to attend in person due to the ongoing government shutdown.

The summit brings together policymakers and industry leaders from around the world to discuss developments in the unmanned aerial system industry.

In his address, Cramer acknowledged the progress made by the local UAS community. “This ecosystem I talk about so much that has been developed right there in the very place you’re hanging out, it can’t be overstated,” he said. “Look around, you created what’s going on in the room you’re in right now. […] I’m just standing on your shoulders. […] I just want to say thank you, thanks for what you do, thanks for hanging in there. Be encouraged. […] Keep inspiring me to do what I do. Love you all, I wish I could be with you, and I look forward to doing it again next year. God bless you.”

Cramer announced that Grand Forks Air Force Base will be the site of the new Point Defense Battle Lab. The facility will focus on countering small drone warfare and will be involved in developing and testing advanced technologies for defending military installations against unmanned aerial system threats.

He noted that Secretary of War Pete Hegseth had issued a memo instructing Pentagon leadership to establish Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) 401. The task force aims to better coordinate resources and authorities for delivering joint Counter-UAS capabilities to U.S. forces. Cramer stated the JIATF is “critical, it’s urgent, and it needs to happen quickly.” He added that as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Airland Subcommittee, he advocated for North Dakota’s expertise in this area.

“It was an easy sell,” he said. “[Air Combat Command] and the Air Force are looking closely at Grand Forks and are prepared to announce, if you haven’t heard it already, that Grand Forks Air Force Base is going to play a lead role. In fact, they’ll be the ACC Point Defense Battle Lab to support the Counter-UAS fielding and policy for the Department of Air Force installation defense initiatives. […] Grand Forks is now going to be at the epicenter, not surprising, again with the expertise that’s been developed there. […] It’s pretty cool to see us playing that leadership role in something that’s so relevant and so current right now.”

The new lab is expected to support the Department of the Air Force’s installation defense initiatives by advancing technologies to address UAS-related security concerns.