UND joins Northern Plains UAS Test Site in signing agreement to advance counter-drone technologies
Partnership with federal task force builds on UND’s research capabilities and the NPUASTS’ operational expertise
GRAND FORKS, N.D. — The University of North Dakota and Northern Plains Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Site (NPUASTS) were part of a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony here Wednesday, Oct. 14, joining forces with the U.S. Department of War’s Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401).
The agreement, announced by U.S. Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and supported by the other members of the state’s Congressional delegation, U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and U.S. Rep. Julie Fedorchak (R-N.D.), establishes UND as the first and only university in the nation to serve as a clearinghouse for the task force’s counter-drone technology efforts. Alongside the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, UND will help identify promising counter-drone technologies for further evaluation and development. The agreement was signed by UND President Andrew Armacost during the 20th UAS
Summit & Expo. Brig. Gen. Matthew Ross, director of JIATF-401, had previously signed the memorandum. Col. Jason Idleman, integrated portfolio division chief for JIATF-401, attended the announcement on behalf of the task force.
Acknowledging the new relationship with JIATF-401, Armacost welcomed the task force to North Dakota with a reference to the state’s area code.
“401, welcome to the 701,” said Armacost.
This partnership helps address growing opportunities and concerns regarding the use of UAS in modern warfare. Hoeven pointed to recent global conflicts as examples of how relatively inexpensive drones have changed military operations and increased the need for effective counter-drone systems.
JIATF-401 coordinates counter-drone defenses across all U.S. military services. Through the new partnership, UND will contribute research and technical expertise to help the task force determine which emerging technologies warrant further development.
“One of the things Gen. Ross always tells us is to go fast where we can and slow where we must,” Idleman said.
Idleman explained that the task force must balance the need for rapid development with safety and risk considerations.
“The only way we do that is if we understand the science and technology at a very deep level, so that we can understand where investments can help bring things forward,” he added.
The partnership follows previous ND-based collaborations with JIATF-401, including the Technology Readiness Experimentation (T-REX) event held earlier this year at Camp Grafton, N.G. near Devils Lake, ND. The two-week event brought together military officials and technology developers to evaluate emerging counter-drone systems.
The agreement bolsters UND’s existing research in unmanned aircraft systems and counter-drone technology, along with the testing and development capabilities of the NPUASTS.
“The drone threat is evolving faster than traditional acquisition processes can respond. Defeating this threat requires us to leverage expertise beyond the Department of War. We are grateful to Senators Cramer and Hoeven for helping connect us with the University of North Dakota and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site. This partnership brings together world-class research and operational testing expertise to help us identify what works, accelerate promising technologies, and deliver effective counter-drone capabilities to our warfighters,” said Ross.
According to Trevor Woods, NPUASTS executive director, discussions with JIATF-401 began in January 2026 when the task force reached out at the recommendation of North Dakota’s senators.
“This agreement provides an outstanding opportunity for UND to become a clearinghouse in the evaluation of counter UAS technology in support of our nation’s security,” said Scott Snyder, UND Vice President for Research & Economic Development. “Our 20 plus years of UAS education and research form the foundation of research capabilities that are increasingly recognized as both unique and vital. I want to be certain to thank both Sen. Hoeven and Sen. Cramer, each of whom provided us with connections to JIATF 401 early in the conversation, and who, along with Rep. Fedorchak and the State of North Dakota, have been incredibly supportive of UNDs efforts in national security.”
The initial conversations focused on the test site’s operational experience and the capabilities of North Dakota’s UAS industry. Discussions later expanded to include UND, with representatives from the University and the NPUASTS meeting jointly with JIATF-401 in Washington, D.C., in March.
Woods and UND representatives developed a draft memorandum of understanding, which was presented to the task force in July. The agreement was finalized in the following months, with Gen. Ross and JIATF-401 signing on Aug. 31.
“North Dakota’s leadership in air domain awareness and unmanned systems makes our state the natural partner for-JIATF 401,” Woods said. “This partnership is focused on speed, efficiency, and real-world results. By combining our unique regulatory environment and operational expertise with JIATF-401’s mission priorities, we are eliminating development bottlenecks and delivering essential counter-drone capabilities when and where they are needed most.”
During Wednesday’s announcement, Armacost also emphasized the importance of the Northern Plains UAS Test Site role in supporting the region’s UAS industry.
“We’re eager to build this relationship because we know we can facilitate the test and also the rapid prototyping and redesign of systems that will help preserve the defense of the United States of America,” Armacost said. “It provides the environment where great testing and development can happen for industry partners and for government agencies.
