Modern Technology Solutions donates uncrewed aircraft to UND Aerospace

June 9, 2026 - 23:05

A donation of uncrewed aircraft from Modern Technology Solutions is set to bolster the University of North Dakota's aerospace curriculum and strengthen the region's unmanned aircraft systems ecosystem. The gift, announced this week, includes multiple advanced drones that will be used for hands-on training and research.

UND officials said the aircraft will give students direct experience with industry-standard hardware, bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world operations. The university's UAS program, already one of the largest in the nation, will integrate the new platforms into courses on flight operations, sensor payloads, and autonomous navigation.

Local leaders in the unmanned systems sector noted that the donation supports a growing need for skilled pilots and engineers in the region. The equipment is expected to help UND expand its partnerships with private companies and government agencies working on drone-based solutions for agriculture, infrastructure inspection, and emergency response.

The collaboration highlights a broader push to make the northern Plains a hub for unmanned aviation. By providing students with access to current technology, the gift aims to keep the workforce pipeline strong as demand for UAS expertise continues to rise across multiple industries.