Grand Forks Air Force Base to host new counter-drone battle lab Oct 15, 2025 / 09:45 AM CDT
Two new counter-drone initiatives are coming to the Grand Forks region, Senator John Hoeven announced Tuesday, at the start of the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Summit.
The U.S. Air Force has chosen Grand Forks Air Force Base to host its new Point Defense Battle Lab. The lab will focus on testing and developing technologies to protect military sites from small drone threats. Details about its operations are still being finalized, but the lab is expected to work closely with existing regional efforts like Project ULTRA.
In addition, defense technology company AeroVironment is installing its AV Halo system at GrandSKY, a nearby UAS business park. The system includes Titan radar for wide-area surveillance and software that helps detect and track drones. AV Halo will support both the new battle lab and Project ULTRA’s research.
Hoeven said the developments strengthen the region’s role in advancing drone and counter-drone capabilities.
