New Facility Will Support Drone Innovation, Job Creation, and Rural Healthcare Solutions
The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) marked a major milestone in aviation technology with the grand opening of its Emerging Aviation Technology Center in Daisy, Oklahoma. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held on June 17, celebrated a new chapter in drone and crewed aircraft development.
A Hub for Innovation in Aviation
Located on remote tribal land, the new facility offers a low-risk environment for testing and developing advanced aerial systems. The three-story, 8,324-square-foot building sits on more than 44,000 acres. It includes office space, telemetry rooms, mechanical repair workrooms, a drone maintenance area, a conference lounge, and an observation deck.
“This opening represents another step forward for tribal innovation and the future of aviation technology,” said CNO Chief Gary Batton. “We are proud to lead the way in developing safe and advanced drone operations that will benefit our communities across Oklahoma and beyond.”
A First Among Tribal Nations
The Choctaw Nation is known for reaching historic aviation milestones. It was the first tribal nation to lead a major national aviation initiative, to be recognized as a public aircraft operator, and to develop beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone capabilities.
These achievements make the new technology center a key part of the Nation’s continued leadership in uncrewed aviation.
“The Emerging Aviation Technology Center stands at the forefront of advancing critical innovations, such as drone medical deliveries, which have the potential to dramatically improve healthcare access and enhance emergency response across the rural communities of the Choctaw Nation,” said James Grimsley, CNO Executive Director of Advanced Technology Initiatives.
Boosting the Regional Economy and Future Growth
In addition to advancing drone technology, the center is expected to boost the local economy. It will support job creation, attract industry partnerships, and position southeastern Oklahoma as a center for aviation research and innovation.
The Choctaw Nation’s investment in the aviation sector reflects its broader commitment to technology, infrastructure, and community wellbeing.
For more information about the Choctaw Nation Advanced Technology Initiatives and the Emerging Aviation Technology Center, visit https://cnoaa.com.
About The Choctaw Nation
The Choctaw Nation is the third-largest Indian Nation in the U.S., with nearly 230,000 tribal members and over 13,000 employees. Its historic reservation spans over 10,000 square miles in southeastern Oklahoma. Guided by the vision “Living out the Chahta Spirit of faith, family and culture,” the Nation continues to grow and provide opportunities for its people. More information is available at www.choctawnation.com.
Read more:
- Expanding Horizons: Choctaw Nation’s BEYOND Program Receives Expanded BVLOS Authorization
- NATA, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Partner to Move Advanced Air Mobility Forward
- uAvionix Combines Command and Control, Detect and Avoid for BVLOS Flight at Choctaw Nation Emerging Aviation Technology Center
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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