General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) opened a new remote flight operations facility near Grand Forks on Oct. 30, 2026, the company announced, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its Flight Test & Training Center.
GA-ASI said the facility will support its contractor-owned, contractor-operated lease of MQ-9A remotely piloted aircraft for U.S. Africa Command, with operations flown remotely in support of the U.S. Department of War.
Sen. John Hoeven said the change is expected to save AFRICOM more than $10 million annually by having pilots operate from Grand Forks rather than overseas.
The opening event included Hoeven and GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue, according to the announcement.
