Army Under Secretary Obadal Previews Grand Forks’ Innovative Defense Ecosystem

***Click here for media resources.*** GRAND FORKS, N.D. – North Dakota’s groundbreaking leadership in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) technology attracted another Pentagon official to the region today, where Under Secretary of the Army Mike Obadal joined U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) to learn about the latest developments in counter-UAS warfare. Cramer led Obadal on a tour of two of the state’s most important defense innovation hubs, the new Point Defense Battle Lab at Grand Forks Air Force Base and the GrandSKY UAS tech park. The facilities are turning concepts and ideas into battlefield hardware in a highly controlled, flexible testbed where rapid development and deployment lead to a safer battlefield environment for our troops and allies. The growing ecosystem creates an interface for technology developers, Pentagon officials, and North Dakota’s university resources to join forces to accelerate real-world solutions. “If commanders have enough flexibility to do their jobs and find creative solutions, they can provide incredible value,” said Cramer. “We have worked with our base leaders, university presidents, and local government officials to create an indispensable ecosystem. There is something to be said for our remoteness and isolation breeding innovation. It’s part of North Dakota’s DNA and always has been. The leadership at the Pentagon is discovering that they can trust our personnel to understand the mission, evaluate the risks, and then take a chance and lead the way.” Obadal is a former soldier and industry leader with 30 years of experience spanning the military, interagency, and defense technology communities. He was sworn in as the 36th Under Secretary of the Army last September, following his nomination by President Donald J. Trump and confirmation by the United States Senate. As Under Secretary of the Army, Obadal serves as the Army’s chief management officer, overseeing business operations, manpower and personnel systems, acquisition strategy, and enterprise reform initiatives. He works closely with broader Army leadership to strengthen warfighter readiness, advance modernization efforts, and transform how the Army develops and manages its talent. Obadal’s visit comes at a pivotal moment amid North Dakota’s growing role in the nation’s counter-UAS mission. Last week, the U.S. Department of War (DOW) brought government and industry leaders to the state for a Technology Readiness Experimentation (T-REX) event, giving policymakers a look at emerging technologies and the capabilities needed to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving drone fight. The visit also builds on recent efforts by Cramer to elevate North Dakota’s defense innovation ecosystem. At his recent “Carry a Big Stick” Defense Forum, Cramer joined Golden Dome Director General Michael Guetlein to highlight the state’s investments in GrandSKY and unmanned systems, and why North Dakota continues to punch above its weight in national defense. As Cramer put it, “ we sense the obligation we have to the security of this nation.” Grand Forks is also one of four installations selected by DOW for a counter-UAS pilot program announced in May. The effort will test technologies including high-powered microwaves and lasers and was authorized in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act , which Cramer helped shape as chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee’s Airland Subcommittee.