Cross-state partnership looks to boost drone use and research
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The Tennessee Department of Transportation announced this week it would partner with North Dakota to build its own testing site and figure out potential uses for the technology.
North Dakota has long looked to stake its claim as a state leader on research into drones and other unmanned aircraft systems.
Gov. Doug Burgum has put millions of state dollars into the technology, including on the Grand Sky UAS business and innovation park in Grand Forks, and on Vantis, the state’s UAS traffic control network at its Northern Plains UAS Test Site, also in Grand Forks.
And now, North Dakota is looking to take its drone program to other states as the Northern Plains site this week announced a partnership with the Tennessee Department of Transportation to develop a system like Vantis in the Volunteer State. Vantis is a place for UAS companies to test beyond-visual-line-of-sight flights and offers remote infrastructure like surveillance sensors, communications, a backhaul data network, an operations center and other features.
The Northern Plains UAS Test Site provided a comprehensive plan to help develop, implement and operate a system to support UAS and other autonomous technologies, as directed by Tennessee leadership. The as-yet unnamed test site will collaborate with the state’s transportation department to assess current assets and infrastructure and work out what needs to be deployed.
Officials said the project will be carried out in five phases, starting with an evaluation of each region and the state as a whole to determine what is in place already. Then, once the site is operational, there are already plans to expand.
"We are thrilled to partner with the Tennessee Department of Transportation to advance the AAM infrastructure within the state," Trevor Woods, executive director of NPUASTS, said in a statement. "This collaboration represents a significant step forward in creating a more interconnected and sustainable UAS ecosystem in the United States. By working together across state lines, we can achieve greater collaboration and support the development of robust infrastructure."
The interstate partnership appears to be the first of its kind in this technology and comes as North Dakota is looking to maintain its leadership role on drones, UAS and other unmanned technology. In his 2025-2027 Executive Budget address earlier this month, Burgum said Northern Plains and Vantis is a “shining example of our state’s winning vision.”
That budget proposal includes $20 million to “keep Vantis at the forefront,” Burgum said, as well as $5 million for Grand Sky. And he urged the North Dakota Assembly to pass more legislation that would give the state access to radar data from the Federal Aviation Administration on beyond-visual-line-of-sight drone flights and allow the state to replace its agencies’ Chinese-made drones.
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle at the state, local and federal levels have long been concerned about the national security risks associated with agencies using Chinese-made drones. Florida is one of several to ban their use. In North Dakota, nearly 90% of drones used by state agencies were made in China, and state Rep. Mike Nathe has already filed a bill to spend millions of dollars to replace them and train employees on how to use their replacements.
“Through these bold investments, we're securing North Dakota’s leadership in UAS and safeguarding our national interests for today and tomorrow,” Burgum said in his budget address.
North Dakota has invested $130 million in drones since 2016, Burgum said in his 2024 State of the State address, his last before he leaves office. He said that investment means “innovation, high quality jobs for our citizens, and for talent attraction from across the country.” Other states have also looked to be leaders on the technology, including Arkansas, while previous surveys have shown tremendous interest in their use among state transportation departments.
Tennessee has looked to capitalize on interest in drones too. The state recently hosted its first ever Tennessee Drone Symposium, where officials discussed potential uses and how to combat security concerns. Officials hope this partnership with the state 1,400 miles to its northwest can help it build more momentum.
“We are eager to leverage NPUASTS as Tennessee continues to grow and demands on the transportation system increase,” TDOT Aeronautics Director JP Saalwaechter said in a statement. “Their expertise, combined with our shared commitment to safety and innovation, will help develop a transportation network that will meet the demands and utilize emerging technologies. Together, we will create a framework that promotes a high quality of life for all Tennesseans for years to come.”
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