Central ND News

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) announced that tech billionaire and defense entrepreneur Palmer Luckey will be his guest at this year’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Summit and Expo in Grand Forks on October 8 and 9.

Luckey is renowned for founding Oculus VR and designing the Oculus Rift, a virtual reality head-mounted display, at age 20. At 22, he sold the company to Meta for $2 billion in cash and stock.

His latest venture, Anduril Industries, founded in 2017, focuses on autonomous drones and sensors for military applications. The company recently unveiled a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) autonomous air vehicle called Roadrunner and Roadrunner M.

“When I visited Palmer at his Costa Mesa headquarters, I knew immediately this guy is a disruptor and exactly what the military needs if we are going to stay ahead of our adversaries at a cost the taxpayers can afford,” said Cramer. “When I toured his showroom, held Roadrunner in one hand and saw his Collaborative Combat Aircraft, Fury, I knew his contribution to the Air Force would make the first contract cut. I was right. Palmer Luckey came along just in time, and I am honored he accepted my invitation to join me in Grand Forks for this year’s UAS Summit.”

Luckey stated, "Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) are revolutionizing the way the United States, our allies, and our partners see, sense, and fight in combat. I'm looking forward to participating in this year's UAS Summit and Expo and the chance to engage with innovators and operators in this critical field."

In addition to Luckey's participation, Cramer invited defense giant Lockheed Martin to join the Summit. Lockheed has secured a large booth where it will feature a Ground Control Station and model of its RQ-170 Sentinel. The company will also provide breakout speakers.

“I am grateful Lockheed Martin leadership accepted my invitation to show and participate at this year’s Summit,” said Cramer. “I know the organizers have been after them for some time and I look forward to a long relationship with such an important defense contractor and developer.”