GrandSKY Launches Foundational Counter-UAS Operations at Grand Forks Air Force Base

Integration of AeroVironment’s AV_Halo and Titan-SV marks a key step in layered air defense

GrandSKY, the nation’s first commercial UAS business and aviation park, has announced the deployment of a foundational counter-uncrewed aircraft system (C-UAS) architecture at Grand Forks Air Force Base. The initiative marks a major advancement in establishing GrandSKY as a national hub for counter-UAS testing, development, and operations.

A Growing Need for Counter-Drone Defense

The deployment comes as European airspace incursions by small drones continue to raise concern about the potential for misuse by bad actors. Recent incidents across Europe have highlighted vulnerabilities in civilian and military airspace, accelerating global interest in technologies that detect, identify, and mitigate drone threats. The GrandSKY initiative reflects how the United States is taking proactive steps to strengthen airspace resilience and support integrated defense systems.

Building a Layered Defense Network

In this first phase, GrandSKY has integrated AeroVironment’s AV_Halo COMMAND Mission software and the radio frequency-based Titan-SV counter-UAS capability. Together, these technologies provide the foundation of a layered defense system designed to detect, identify, and track (DIT) unmanned aerial threats. The network of passive sensors and radars delivers continuous airspace situational awareness and serves as the initial step toward protecting critical infrastructure.

“We are building the future of air defense right here in North Dakota,” said Thomas Swoyer Jr., President of GrandSKY. “This deployment reflects the strategic evolution of GrandSKY as it endeavors to create a national counter-UAS center of excellence. By integrating these advanced DIT capabilities, we are establishing the foundational sensor network necessary to understand and counter evolving drone threats.”

Collaboration for National Security

The new system builds upon a memorandum of understanding signed in March 2025 between GrandSKY and AeroVironment in support of Project ULTRA, a $100 million public-private initiative aimed at developing Grand Forks into a national proving ground for advanced counter-UAS defense.

“Grand Forks continues to play a vital role in strengthening both North Dakota’s economy and America’s national security,” said Senator John Hoeven (R-ND). “By leveraging these proven technologies at GrandSKY, we are ensuring our state remains at the forefront of innovation while providing the layered protection our nation needs against rapidly evolving threats.”

Toward a National Counter-UAS Framework

According to AeroVironment Chairman, President, and CEO Wahid Nawabi, this deployment represents an important milestone in developing a nationwide air defense network. “Establishing the framework for limited area defense at Grand Forks marks an important step toward building a layered defense system for the nation against constantly evolving drone threats,” Nawabi said. “By combining our surveillance and edge-intelligence technologies with the vision of GrandSKY and the support of leaders like Senator Hoeven, we are accelerating solutions that will protect critical U.S. military installations and the service members who operate within them.”

The integrated system at GrandSKY will enhance airspace awareness and control, supporting a wide range of UAS and counter-UAS testing and operations. The effort represents an important step toward building a seamless, scalable network capable of supporting both civilian and military applications across North Dakota and beyond.

Read more:

• Project ULTRA Secures Contract Boost to $100M and Launches Weekly Cargo Drone Flights
• Surge in cUAS Procurement Highlights Heightened Focus on Airspace Awareness in Europe, Middle East
• Tomorrow, EU Ministers Will Meet to Discuss Europe’s “Drone Wall” — What That Means