North Dakota is ideal for the development of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) or drones because of the state’s low population and its heavy focus on agriculture and energy. (Photo: North Dakota Department of Commerce) In a conversation with Avionics International, Josh Teigen, the Department of Commerce Commissioner for North Dakota, and Frank Matus, Director of Digital Aviation Solutions for Thales Group, talked about how the state is enabling innovations in drone technology. North Dakota’s plans to become the epicenter in the U.S. for uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) began about 10 years ago, according to Teigen. Two key advantages of the state are its low population and its heavy focus on agriculture and energy—spaces where drones can bring significant value.  Over the past decade, North ...