AeroVironment, GrandSKY to Launch ‘Limited’ Golden Dome Drone Shield at Grand Forks AFB

AeroVironment is teaming up with North Dakota-based unmanned aerial system (UAS) developer GrandSKY to install “Limited Area Defense” anti-drone technology at Grand Forks Air Force Base in support of the “Golden Dome for America” defense initiative.

The deployment will use AeroVironment’s detection and tracking systems, known as Titan and Titan-SV, which rely on radio signals to spot and identify drones at long range.

These tools will connect through the company’s “AV_Halo Command” software, which relays data from different sensors into one real-time surveillance view of nearby airspace.

AeroVironment said that the collaboration aims to strengthen protection against hostile drones and aerial threats targeting American military and infrastructure sites, helping operators detect, track, and respond to potential threats more quickly, even beyond visual range.

The company’s broader Limited Area Defense effort includes work with aerospace and defense firm SNC to build an open architecture defense system that combines sensors, directed energy, radio frequency tools, electronic warfare, and cyber defense to counter everything from small UAS to cruise missiles.

Aligning With Project ULTRA

The deployment builds on a memorandum of understanding signed last March between AeroVironment and GrandSKY under Project Unmanned Logistics, Traffic, Research and Autonomy (ULTRA).

Project ULTRA is a $110-million public-private initiative backed by North Dakota Senator John Hoeven to advance Grand Forks as a national test hub for counter-UAS defense.

GrandSKY now operates a 217-acre (88-hectare) UAS testing and training park at the base, which is already integrating AeroVironment’s AV_Halo software into its operations to improve airspace awareness and safety during long-range flights.

“North Dakota is the premier location for developing both applications for unmanned aircraft and protections against the misuse of drone technology, and bringing [AeroVironment’s] counter-UAS system to GrandSKY accelerates the important work being done through initiatives like Project ULTRA,” Hoeven said.

“We’ve seen in Israel and Ukraine how drones are being used to wage war in new and dangerous ways. The capabilities and partnerships we’ve built in the Grand Forks region will enable our nation to tackle this emerging threat, and we appreciate AV for its growing commitment to GrandSKY and the important role its technology will play in these efforts.”