Hoeven: Packet Digital Facility Places North Dakota at the Center of Navy UAS Supply Chain
Senator Worked to Fund & Secure $8.5 Million Contract for UAS Battery & Power Systems Development to Support Extended Flight Times
FARGO, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today toured Packet Digital’s new battery manufacturing facility, which is supported by a $8.5 million Navy research contract that Hoeven worked to secure through his role on the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee for the company to develop smart batteries, chargers and power systems for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The batteries being produced in Fargo will help extend flights times for unmanned aircraft, which would support a variety of missions including tracking and countering unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP). Through this contract, the company is helping ensure a reliable and secure battery supply chain for the Navy, as it is both:
- Designing the advanced, energy-dense batteries.
- Manufacturing the batteries in North Dakota, supplying four UAS companies such as Lockheed Martin and Anduril.
“With Packet Digital’s new manufacturing facility, North Dakota is at the center of the Navy’s UAS supply chain,” said Hoeven. “This is another big leap forward in our state’s leadership in all aspects of the unmanned aviation industry. Further, this demonstrates North Dakota’s growing role in the defense of our nation, from nuclear missions, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations and all the way into space satellite communications.”
The 25,000-square-foot manufacturing facility supports the production of batteries, circuit boards and other components needed for UAS power systems. The facility eliminates the need for Packet Digital to outsource work out of the state or country. In order to support the expanded work, the company hired 19 personnel in 2022 and will be hiring an additional 19 staff this year.
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