BISMARCK, ND (KFYR) – North Dakota state agencies own and operate 353 drones. A recent survey found that more than 85% of them were made in China. One lawmaker introduced a bill that wanted to see them replaced.
If passed, House Bill 1038 would start the process of replacing these drones with units built by friendlier countries. Government agencies would still be able to fly them until they are replaced, which will happen over a two-year period.
Rep. Mike Nathe, R-Bismarck, says the focus is to replace drones developed by DJI, a Chinese company. It’s part of an ongoing discussion at the federal level about using technology made by foreign adversaries.
“Any information that these companies acquire, they have to give it to the government and the military under Chinese law,” Nathe said.
He is proposing $15 million to replace more than 300 drones. Of these, 100 are operated by UND, 28 are flown by the Department of Trust Lands, and 10 are used by the Department of Transportation.
“This is really about national security and maintaining North Dakota’s leadership in UAS innovation,” said Aaron Weber, director of policy for the governor’s office.
Another purpose is to have drones that can use the VANTIS network, a government system designed to fly drones beyond line of sight.
“We can’t risk these systems suddenly becoming inoperable or unflyable because of an update, and we have to go through some kind of process or, even worse, a direct, malicious attack where a foreign country can say we’re going to not letting you fly your drones,” said Trevor Woods, executive director of the Northern Plains UAS Test Site.
This legislation has no impact on private property. Nathe says he hopes the bill will inspire companies and people to move away from DJI, but he mentions that any direct legislation would have to come from the White House.
The bill unanimously passed the House Appropriations Committee and now awaits a vote.
Another part of the bill would provide $11 million to improve VANTIS, with officials saying the funding makes it easier to integrate the system and eventually expand it outside the state.
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