GA-ASI Opens Remote Operations Facility Near Grand Forks
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems opened a North Dakota facility to support MQ-9A missions for U.S. Africa Command.
FlyMarshall Newsroom1 min read
Photo: Air Force Technology
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems opened its Remote Split Operations facility on October 30, 2026, at the company’s Flight Test & Training Center near Grand Forks, North Dakota. GA-ASI plans to operate MQ-9A remotely piloted aircraft there in support of U.S. Africa Command under a Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated lease arrangement.
Key details
- GA-ASI said pilots will conduct the supported missions from North Dakota, reducing the number of personnel deployed overseas.
- Chief executive Linden Blue said the facility would bring approximately 50 jobs to the Grand Forks community.
- Senator John Hoeven estimated that the arrangement would save AFRICOM more than $10 million per year.
- The MQ-9A can remain airborne for more than 27 hours, operate up to 50,000 feet and reach 240 knots true airspeed.
GA-ASI chief executive Linden Blue said the site would bring approximately 50 jobs to the Grand Forks area.
Why it matters
The facility brings remote aircraft operations and related jobs to North Dakota while supporting missions for a US combatant command. The arrangement also shifts the supported pilots’ work location from overseas to the Grand Forks area.
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