Central ND News

Senator John Hoeven met with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Brown this week to discuss support for Israel and Ukraine, as well as the importance of updating U.S. forces and developing new capabilities. The discussions focused on ensuring that the U.S. has the necessary tools and resources to maintain national security.

Hoeven emphasized the role of nuclear modernization and the development of new unmanned aerial systems (UAS) technologies in deterring threats and protecting the nation. He highlighted several key points:

- Utilizing Project Ultra and new technologies being developed and tested at Grand Forks Air Force Base and Grand Sky to advance U.S. drone capabilities. Hoeven pointed out North Dakota's existing infrastructure that could efficiently support these drone programs.

- The concurrent need to upgrade U.S. nuclear forces for a timely and cost-effective deterrent. Minot Air Force Base houses two of the three legs of the nuclear triad, with Hoeven working to secure funding for ongoing nuclear modernization efforts.

"I had a great conversation with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Brown," said Hoeven. "We discussed what's happening in Ukraine and Israel, as well as the need for DoD to have the necessary flexibility to develop new systems to strengthen national security and defend against our adversaries. Our discussion focused on how we can update and upgrade our armed forces here in the United States. Both Minot Air Force Base and Grand Forks Air Force Base are playing a key role in that effort."