Central ND News

Senator John Hoeven has formally requested that Camp Grafton Training Center in North Dakota be designated as a national test and training range for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and counter-UAS operations by the Department of Defense. The request was made in a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, following the secretary's recent directive to establish at least three national ranges aimed at strengthening U.S. capabilities in drone technology.

Camp Grafton is currently involved in counter-UAS testing. It provides 10,000 acres of controlled airspace for flexible training, access to Devils Lake for maritime applications, and supports year-round use by both military and federal agencies. The site also benefits from integration with North Dakota’s UAS ecosystem, which includes collaboration with the University of North Dakota and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site.

In his letter, Hoeven stated: “Camp Grafton’s facilities and ranges offer airspace, terrain, and infrastructure uniquely capable of providing immediate support for DoD’s UAS and counter-UAS testing and training needs... The installation already supports UAS and counter-UAS testing activities, including counter-UAS testing by the Department of Homeland Security and a variety of private industry partners.”

The full text of Senator Hoeven's letter is available online.