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Thales to bring its expertise in advanced air mobility to the North Dakota Unmanned Autonomous Systems Council

  • Thales, the global high technology leader and integration partner of North Dakota’s system for advanced UAS operations, Vantis, will further collaboration with the UAS Council members and broader ecosystem to harmonize key state objectives.
  • North Dakota cements its leadership position as a global hub for autonomy and advanced air mobility.

Thales, a global technology leader in Aerospace, Defense, Digital Identity & Security, has joined the North Dakota Unmanned Autonomous Systems (ND UAS) Council, further bolstering North Dakota's leadership in the UAS industry.

As part of this partnership, Thales will bring decades of experience in aerospace solutions and specific knowledge on advanced air mobility to the Council. The Group will provide cutting-edge solutions in air traffic management, relying on its expertise in digital technologies including sensors, AI, connectivity and cybersecurity. Thales will significantly contribute to the Council's mission of advancing UAS technology in North Dakota, shaping supportive policies and fostering local workforce development. Additionally, Thales is the systems integration partner for Vantis, North Dakota’s system for beyond-visual-line-of-sight UAS operations. Vantis is administered by the Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS).

“We couldn’t be happier to welcome Thales to the ND UAS Council,” said Matt Dunlevy, President of the ND UAS Council. “Their global expertise and innovative approach to aerospace technology will be extremely valuable as we work to keep North Dakota at the forefront of the UAS industry. Together, we will seek to redefine the possibilities of unmanned systems, ensuring that North Dakota remains a leader in this rapidly evolving field.”

The ND UAS Council is a leading organization dedicated to advancing UAS technology and operations in North Dakota. The Council brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to promote innovation, advocate for supportive policies, and drive workforce development in the UAS sector.

The addition of Thales to the ND UAS Council marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to establish North Dakota as a global hub for UAS innovation and development. The Council is committed to fostering collaboration among industry leaders to ensure the state continues to lead in this dynamic and rapidly growing industry.

“Joining the ND UAS Council is a strategic move for Thales as we continue to expand our footprint in the UAS domain,” said Frank Matus, Director of Digital Aviation Market Development for the Americas at Thales. “North Dakota is a key hub for UAS innovation, and we are eager to collaborate with the Council and its members to advance the industry and contribute to the development of next-generation unmanned systems.”

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies specialized in three business domains: Defence & Security, Aeronautics & Space, and Cybersecurity & Digital identity.

It develops products and solutions that help make the world safer, greener and more inclusive.

The Group invests close to €4 billion a year in Research & Development, particularly in key innovation areas such as AI, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, cloud technologies and 6G.

Thales has close to 81,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2023, the Group generated sales of €18.4 billion.

About Thales in the U.S.

In the United States, Thales has conducted significant research and development, manufacturing, and service capabilities for more than 130 years. ​ Today, Thales has 37 locations around the U.S., employing nearly 5,000 people. ​ Working closely with U.S. customers and local partners, Thales is able to meet the most complex requirements for every operating environment.