Governor Doug Burgum of North Dakota and Chairman Choi Myungjin of the Korea Research Association for Unmanned Vehicles (KRAUV) signed a significant memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Wednesday, cementing a collaborative partnership aimed at advancing research and development in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

The agreement marks a crucial step in boosting UAS innovation and strengthening the relationship between North Dakota and South Korea.

KRAUV, which focuses on promoting UAS technology and ecosystem development in South Korea, shares North Dakota’s commitment to expanding UAS capabilities. South Korea has invested over $1 billion in UAS research, with additional millions spent on military UAS systems to protect its borders. This partnership is expected to enhance UAS technology in both regions, promoting job creation and economic growth.

Governor Burgum emphasized the strategic value of the agreement, stating, “Working with KRAUV will help North Dakota further cement our status as a global leader in UAS while also strengthening our relationship with the Republic of Korea, one of our state’s top trading partners and a key U.S. ally." He highlighted the growing range of UAS applications in industries such as agriculture, energy, and defense.

Chairman Choi echoed Burgum's enthusiasm, noting that North Dakota's advanced UAS infrastructure, particularly its testing capabilities, makes it an ideal partner. "This agreement will stimulate greater investment between Korea and North Dakota," said Choi. "We are confident this will establish a strong international foothold for Korean companies."

The MOU was signed during a weeklong trade mission to South Korea, which included Burgum and North Dakota officials from various sectors, including agriculture, aerospace, and technology. The delegation’s visit aims to explore further trade and investment opportunities with South Korean partners.

North Dakota is recognized as a UAS leader in the United States. Its Northern Plains UAS Test Site in Grand Forks is a hub for UAS innovation and testing, featuring the nation's first Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) system, Vantis. The state is also home to the University of North Dakota's John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, which offers the first UAS degree program in the country, and the Grand Sky Business Park, a commercial UAS facility adjacent to the Grand Forks Air Force Base.

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This collaboration between North Dakota and KRAUV aims to push the boundaries of UAS technology and create lasting economic benefits for both regions.

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Gallery Credit: DJ Nyke

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