Democratic Sen. Byron Dorgan of North Dakota is marshalling forces for “a new era of opportunity” for the Red River Valley Research Corridor by hosting an “action summit” on March 22 at the University of North Dakota. The Air National Guard unit at Fargo and Grand Forks Air Force Base will be jointly operating Predator UAVs. Dorgan also hopes to get USAF to make the university a Center of Excellence for UAV education. He says he wants the summit to identify steps to take “to accelerate” the Predator deployment and identify potential economic opportunities for the surrounding communities.
The Pentagon announced framework agreements for new multiyear deals with three companies to mass-produce more affordable, less exquisite air-to-ground missiles for the Air Force, part of a larger strategy to bring cheaper firepower to a future fight.