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North Dakota's Northern Plains Runs First Non-Federal Radar Feed
New radar system allows for expanded drone and aircraft operations across the state.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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After years of working with the FAA, North Dakota's Northern Plains UAS Test Site has become the first non-federal entity in the nation to operate its own radar data feed. The new Vantis system will allow the state to better navigate air travel, integrate drones into the airspace, and protect military bases from threats.
Why it matters
This milestone gives North Dakota more control and flexibility over its airspace, enabling expanded drone operations, research and development, and potential future advancements like autonomous passenger flights. It also enhances safety by providing real-time radar data to pilots and drone operators.
The details
The Vantis radar system filters and processes FAA data, providing a more reliable and up-to-date feed that can be used for navigation and airspace management. This is crucial as drones become more prevalent, allowing operators to visually track other aircraft and stay separated. The system will also support security efforts around domestic military bases.
- After years of work with the FAA, the Northern Plains UAS Test Site activated the Vantis radar system in February 2026.
- Over the next year, the Northern Plains team will be testing and determining how best to utilize the new radar capabilities.
The players
Northern Plains UAS Test Site
A state-run organization that oversees drone research, development and operations in North Dakota.
Trevor Woods
Executive Director of the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, who led the effort to establish the new Vantis radar system.
What they’re saying
“This is a milestone that now lets us move forward in leveraging the system to create value in the state of North Dakota, open up other operations in the state of North Dakota, and partnerships with other states that could leverage what we're doing here in North Dakota.”
— Trevor Woods, Executive Director, Northern Plains UAS Test Site (KVRR)
“If they didn't have something like this, they would not know how to visually see other airplanes in the sky and be able to stay separated. And so it lets the drone operators stay away. But it also gives assurance to other airplanes in the mass that they don't have to be nervous that a drone is going to fly and interfere with their flight path.”
— Trevor Woods, Executive Director, Northern Plains UAS Test Site (KVRR)
What’s next
Over the next year, the Northern Plains UAS Test Site will be testing the new Vantis radar system to determine how best to utilize its capabilities for expanded drone operations, research, and potential future applications like autonomous passenger flights.
The takeaway
North Dakota's pioneering move to operate its own non-federal radar feed gives the state greater control and flexibility over its airspace, enhancing safety and enabling new opportunities for drone integration, aerospace innovation, and economic development.
