UND receives its first Department of State Export License for UAS training
UND recently obtained its first license from the Department of State under the International Trade in Arms Regulations (ITAR). The license will allow for training foreign military pilots to fly unmanned aerial system s (UAS). The university has been a leader in UAS training, offering the only bachelors’ degree in the nation in Unmanned Aerial Systems. It graduated its first group of UAS degree recipients, all US citizens, in May. Recognizing the outstanding programs at UND’s School of Aerospace Sciences, the US Air Force Approached UND about providing training for pilots from a NATO country, leading UND to apply for the ITAR license.
Obtaining an ITAR license is a complex process, and a separate license must be obtained from the Department of State for each instance that the University will involve foreign nationals in programs that involve information with military applications.
“This paves the way for future projects throughout the university that may involve ITAR restrictions,” said Phyllis Johnson, vice president for Research and Economic Development. “Now we know how to work through the licensing process, and we are putting in place the processes we need to document that the University is in legal compliance with ITAR requirements.”
Although the first license involves programs within the School of Aerospace Sciences, the university envisions additional projects involving engineering, software development, and other areas that could also require ITAR licenses . The university is also developing processes to manage export control requirements for other kinds of information and research that are regulated by the US Department of Commerce. Both kinds of licenses are important to university educational programs and research, and will enhance the university’s economic impact in the region, especially in UAS-related business.
— Peter Johnson, executive associate vice president, University Relations, 777-4317, peterjohnson@mail.und.edu.
