GRAND FORKS, ND ( KXNET ) — A plan to start hauling heavier goods via drone will soon take off from an air base in North Dakota.

It’s known as Project ULTRA. This week, Sen. John Hoeven says the Department of Defense has tasked the effort to start planning demonstration flights between Grand Forks Air Force Base and Cavalier Space Force Station.

This year, Senator Hoeven says he helped secure $3.5 million for Project ULTRA.

The effort is a partnership by the department of defense, NASA and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site.

Once operational, the drone flights are expected to carry payloads of at least 55 pounds on flights over 60 miles.

“We want to continue to lead the world in developing drone and counter drone technologies, so we developed Project ULTRA to fund work with private enterprise to develop those technologies for our armed services,” Sen. Hoeven said.

Project ULTRA is expected to help with concepts like delivering supplies, base inspections and security.

It already has a contract worth over $18 million.

Sen. Hoeven’s office tells KX News that Grand Sky is looking to start demo flights between June and July of 2025.

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