ND North News

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) delivered virtual remarks at the 19th annual Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Summit and Expo in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The event brought together policymakers and industry leaders to discuss regulatory, economic, and technological developments in the unmanned aerial system sector.

Senator Cramer and his guest, 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.

During his address, Cramer highlighted the contributions of the Grand Forks region to the unmanned aircraft industry. “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,” Cramer 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 lab is intended to address threats from small drone warfare and will play a central role in developing counter-UAS technologies for military installations.

He referenced a directive from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth for Pentagon leadership to establish Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) 401. The task force aims to better coordinate resources and deliver joint counter-UAS capabilities. Cramer said, “Cramer said the JIATF is ‘critical, it’s urgent, and it needs to happen quickly.’” As chairman of the Senate Armed Services Airland Subcommittee, Cramer advocated for North Dakota’s expertise in this field.

“It was an easy sell,” Cramer 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 Air Combat Command’s Point Defense Battle Lab is expected to be a key element in developing and testing advanced technologies for defending military bases against unmanned aerial threats.