Another major defense company interested in ND drone park

By DAVE KOLPACK

FARGO, N.D. (AP) _ The nation’s first unmanned aircraft business park has a second major defense contractor interested in setting up shop, which developers say should spur further commercial development at the facility.

An executive with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems plans to visit North Dakota in July to investigate Grand Sky, a planned 1.2 million-square-foot park located on Grand Forks Air Force Base property. General Atomics produces unmanned aerial systems, including drones for military combat missions.

Defense technology giant Northrop Grumman last month signed a lease to become lead tenant. U.S. Rep. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota says that move and Blue’s visit is “further validation” for the project.

Cramer says defense companies are ideal anchors for the park, but it’s important to recruit businesses interested in commercial drone development.