Central ND News

The Department of Defense has finalized an agreement to increase the contract ceiling for Project ULTRA from $18 million to $100 million, according to an announcement made by Senator John Hoeven on Tuesday. The funding for Project ULTRA is provided through annual defense appropriations legislation, which Hoeven helps write as a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee.

“We appreciate DoD finalizing this agreement to raise Project ULTRA’s contract ceiling to $100 million,” said Hoeven. “This is a testament to the one-of-a-kind ecosystem we’ve built in our state over the last two decades that connects private sector partners with the military to develop drone technologies and capabilities needed to overcome challenges facing our military at home and abroad. This higher contract ceiling further solidifies North Dakota’s leadership in UAS and counter-UAS technology development.”

Hoeven previously announced an agreement in principle for the increased funding during an event marking the start of weekly unmanned aerial systems cargo flights between two military bases.

The new funding level will allow all branches of the military to access private sector expertise through Project ULTRA. This aims to help the Department of Defense develop needed capabilities more quickly and cost-effectively, including advancements in counter-drone technology.