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# North Dakota Advances $9 Million Public-Drone Replacement
- URL: https://www.theamericanquorum.com/state-news-north-dakota-2026-09-22-b/
- Published: 2026-09-22T07:50:49.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T07:50:49.000Z
- Description: North Dakota is finalizing vendors, aircraft and agency allocations for a $9 million program replacing noncompliant state and university drones while preserving access to federal funding.
- Author: News Desk
- Tags: Tech, North Dakota

North Dakota is finalizing vendors, aircraft platforms and pricing for a $9 million program replacing security-restricted drones used by state agencies and the university system, moving the statewide initiative toward purchases after technical and cost reviews.

The Department of Commerce said the [procurement process](https://www.commerce.nd.gov/news/north-dakota-drone-replacement-program-nears-final-procurement-stage?ref=theamericanquorum.com) has entered its final stage. Before evaluating proposals, the program assessed agencies’ existing aircraft, operational needs and available replacement platforms. Participating agencies have reviewed recommended aircraft and sensor packages for their missions and submitted feedback that will shape the final allocations.

The program responds to federal procurement and security restrictions affecting unmanned aircraft systems. It is intended to replace older platforms that do not meet National Defense Authorization Act and Federal Communications Commission standards, while preserving agencies’ ability to use federal funding for drone-supported work.

State lawmakers created the Drone Replacement Program through Senate Bill 2018 and appropriated $9 million to Commerce. The Northern Plains UAS Test Site, which administers the program, says the [state funding](https://www.npuasts.com/uas-programs/drone-replacement?ref=theamericanquorum.com) covers replacement aircraft, necessary mission equipment and initial operator training. Agencies will remain responsible for subscriptions, maintenance, upgrades and later replacements.

Eligibility is narrower than the phrase “public-sector fleet” may suggest. The current program is limited to North Dakota state agencies and North Dakota University System entities. Counties, cities and local law-enforcement agencies are not eligible. Participating organizations must surrender qualifying noncompliant drones purchased before Jan. 1, 2025, and participation is voluntary.

The exchange is also not necessarily one replacement for every aircraft turned in. Program managers are matching equipment to agency missions, which could mean fewer but more capable systems. The state’s procurement office is to award contracts based on best value rather than guaranteeing any agency’s preferred manufacturer or model.

An independent aviation [industry report](https://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=7051EF1B-D252-4EDF-ADE9-5DBC16E7D760&ref=theamericanquorum.com) published Monday confirmed that technical and cost evaluations are complete and that the state is preparing to purchase replacements. Commerce has not yet announced the vendors, final aircraft mix or agency-by-agency allocations.

Once deployed, the new drones may also connect agencies to Vantis, North Dakota’s statewide infrastructure for flights beyond a pilot’s visual line of sight. Commerce said the system offers airspace awareness and operational support, while the test site describes integration as an opportunity to expand missions beyond basic equipment replacement.

The program’s [operating rules](https://www.npuasts.com/uas-programs/drone-replacement?ref=theamericanquorum.com) say legacy aircraft may be decommissioned, sold or disposed of under state and federal requirements. Any sale proceeds must return to the state. Essential sensors and specialized equipment can be included where needed, but routine accessories may not be replaced.

Final selections will determine how much of the appropriation goes to aircraft, sensors and training across participating agencies. Commerce said more information will be provided to agencies after vendor choices and allocations are complete; no public purchase date was specified in its Sept. 15 update.