North Dakota industries and companies will have a new avenue for economic collaboration – all because of the state’s position as a UAS leader.
Recently, Gov. Doug Burgum and Korea Research Association for Unmanned Vehicles (KRAUV) Chairman Choi Myungjin signed a memorandum of understanding between the state and KRAUV to establish a partnership and promote collaboration in UAS research and development.
Assisted by the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, the partnership should impact a diverse range of North Dakota industries, including agriculture, energy, manufacturing, aerospace and technology. The NPUASTS, as the center of the state’s thriving UAS ecosystem, will be key in developing the relationships and opportunities cited in the agreement.
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“Working together with KRAUV to advance UAS research and development will help North Dakota further cement our status as a global leader in this industry while also strengthening our relationship with the Republic of Korea, one of our state’s top trading partners and a key U.S. ally,” Burgum said.
“From monitoring crops and assessing risks to energy infrastructure, to emergency response and defense capabilities, the list of UAS applications continues to grow, and we’re grateful for KRAUV’s partnership in exploring and developing those possibilities into jobs and economic growth.”
Specifically, the areas of cooperation between the two groups called for an exploration of business partnerships and market opportunities in both North Dakota and Korea, as well as joint R&D projects aimed at advancing unmanned systems.
Advancing Autonomy
North Dakota’s leadership in the industry is what drew KRAUV to the collaboration. Myungjin said: “North Dakota is recognized for its world-class UAS infrastructure, particularly in testing capabilities. Through this partnership, we are confident that Korean companies will build a strong foothold in the international market, beginning with North Dakota. Today’s agreement will stimulate greater investment between Korea and North Dakota, supporting sustainable growth and serving as a crucial step towards creating a vibrant global unmanned vehicle ecosystem. KRAUV remains committed to fostering the growth and progress of the global unmanned vehicle industry.”
As a FAA-designated test site, the NPUASTS has been at the forefront of drone technology since its founding in 2013. It has been an economic and defense partner in its UAS research and testing, as well as developing procedures and safety risk assessments through FAA certificates of authorization.
The NPUASTS has decades of team experience in diverse fields providing a one-stop solution for UAS operators, private industry and federal, state and local governments. In creating new initiatives and through actions across the nation, NPUASTS leads the way in advancing the future of autonomy, unlocking capabilities for every community.
The South Korean government, like North Dakota, has been a strong backer of UAS development, making sizable investments into its infrastructure and establishing policies of UAS R&D and commercialization. Some of that has gone into protecting its nation’s borders – similar to how the NPUASTS is facilitating Counter-UAS technology to aid the U.S. Department of Defense.
Other reasons the KRAUV is eager to work with North Dakota are BVLOS capabilities through Vantis, administered by the NPUASTS; access to major UAS universities and GrandSKY’s aviation services.
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