On August 21, North Dakota’s growing reputation as a national hub for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and counter-UAS innovation was on full display at the inaugural Versus UAS/Counter-UAS Symposium, held at Camp Grafton.
The event, hosted by Anno.Ai and Dunlevy Consulting, brought together defense officials, industry leaders, and policymakers to highlight the state’s expanding role in airspace security and technology development.
U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Chair of the Senate Armed Services Airland Subcommittee, opened the symposium with remarks underscoring the urgency of countering drone threats and the strategic value of North Dakota’s defense ecosystem.
“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 featured live demonstrations of UAS and counter-UAS systems in operational scenarios, showcasing capabilities designed to address emerging threats.
Brigadier General Mitch Johnson, Adjutant General of the North Dakota National Guard, presented on the state’s infrastructure for testing, training, and transitioning new technologies, a growing priority for both federal and state agencies.
The event also served as a reminder of the real-world stakes. Cramer referenced the 2023 drone attack on Erbil Air Base in Iraq, which injured three service members, including North Dakota native Garrett Illerbrunn.
“Thanks to everyone who truly wants to advance counter-UAS so no American or ally is left defenseless like Garrett Illerbrunn,” Cramer added.
North Dakota’s UAS ecosystem includes federal assets like Grand Forks Air Force Base, home to ISR operations and the Space Development Agency, as well as academic programs such as the University of North Dakota’s Space Studies. Together, these institutions support a growing pipeline of talent and innovation.
The symposium follows recent federal action to accelerate counter-UAS development. In June, President Trump signed the “Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty” executive order, directing key agencies to build out national C-UAS capabilities.
In July, the Department of Defense announced the formation of a Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) under the Army to fast-track deployment. Congress has authorized over $2 billion in funding across multiple bills to support these efforts.
Post Image Credit: Kevin Cramer – U.S. Senator for North Dakota
