North Dakota Becomes First State to Access FAA Drone Data

New partnership unlocks safer and more efficient drone operations across the state.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:27pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a complex network of interconnected drone control towers, radar dishes, and data servers in shades of neon blue, purple, and magenta, conceptually representing the secure infrastructure that enables North Dakota's advanced UAS operations.North Dakota's secure drone data infrastructure unlocks new possibilities for safer, more efficient unmanned aerial operations across the state.Grand Forks Today

North Dakota has officially become the first state to access Federal Aviation Administration drone radar data, a significant milestone that will support the state's unmanned aircraft operations. The Vantis platform, administered by the Northern Plains UAS Test Site in Grand Forks, will now be able to receive continuous radar data on aircraft activity, helping drones safely operate alongside traditional aircraft.

Why it matters

Access to the federal radar data cements North Dakota's position as the most advanced UAS ecosystem in the nation, enabling safer and more efficient drone operations for emergency response, infrastructure inspection, agriculture, and rural delivery services. This development puts North Dakota ahead of other states working to build similar drone integration capabilities.

The details

The partnership between Vantis, federal partners, and the North Dakota Information Technology Department required extensive work to build the secure infrastructure needed to meet strict federal security standards, including developing protected network pathways, secure computing environments, firewalls, and systems capable of processing real-time aviation data.

  • North Dakota officially gained access to the FAA drone radar data on April 16, 2026.
  • The development has been in the works for a number of years, with Senator John Hoeven discussing the milestone in a February 2026 interview.

The players

Vantis

North Dakota's platform for advanced UAS operations, administered by the Northern Plains UAS Test Site in Grand Forks.

North Dakota Information Technology Department

The state agency that collaborated with Vantis and federal partners to build the secure infrastructure required to access the FAA drone radar data.

Senator John Hoeven

A Republican senator from North Dakota who has championed the state's efforts to become the most advanced UAS ecosystem in the nation.

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What they’re saying

“It puts us ahead of anyone else in the country in a big way. For them to catch up and try to do what we're doing, they've got a lot of work to do to get there.”

— Senator John Hoeven

“Behind every major technology milestone is a lot of careful work that most people never see. Our teams were proud to help build the secure infrastructure needed to safely connect federal aviation data with the Vantis system. This is a strong example of how IT drives innovation across North Dakota.”

— Corey Mock, Chief Information Officer, North Dakota

What’s next

The successful integration of FAA drone radar data into the Vantis system is expected to pave the way for North Dakota to further expand its advanced UAS operations and cement its position as a national leader in the field.

The takeaway

North Dakota's groundbreaking partnership with the FAA to access drone radar data underscores the state's commitment to fostering a thriving UAS ecosystem. This milestone achievement not only enhances the safety and efficiency of drone operations in the state but also solidifies North Dakota's status as a trailblazer in the rapidly evolving world of unmanned aviation.