GrandSky President Received UAS Pioneer Award

Tom Swoyer Jr. accepted the honor as federal funding was announced for the local Project ULTRA initiative.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Military

GrandSky President Received UAS Pioneer Award

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GrandSky president Tom Swoyer Jr. was awarded the 2026 Sen. John Hoeven UAS Sky Pioneer Award. The recognition coincided with a $5.5 million federal funding boost for the Project ULTRA military logistics program.

Why it matters

The award highlights individuals who make significant contributions to the unmanned aerial systems industry. Project ULTRA aims to enhance national security by integrating specialized UAS technology into U.S. military logistics.

Project ULTRA secured $5.5 million in federal funding for a counter-UAS test bed and the expansion of unmanned logistics flights. This initiative builds on Senator John Hoeven's 20 years of work in the regional UAS sector.

The players

Tom Swoyer Jr.

He serves as the president of the GrandSky business park in Grand Forks.

John Hoeven

He is a U.S. Senator who has spent two decades focused on unmanned aerial systems efforts.

Josh Carter

He co-developed the concept for Project ULTRA alongside Tom Swoyer Jr.

GrandSky

It is a business park located in Grand Forks dedicated to the unmanned aerial systems industry.

The details

Developed by Tom Swoyer Jr. and Josh Carter, Project ULTRA operates as a partnership between GrandSky, Grand Forks County, and the Office of the Under Secretary of War. The initiative focuses on expanding logistics capabilities for the U.S. military.

John Hoeven received the inaugural award in 2023.
Project ULTRA launched as a partnership in 2024.
Tom Swoyer Jr. received the award on October 14, 2026.

Political Context

The opposition party and various oversight groups have raised concerns regarding the speed of federal integration of private-sector UAS technology. Critics argue that rigorous security vetting must outpace the rapid expansion of logistics partnerships like Project ULTRA.

Residents in Grand Forks may see an increase in local job opportunities and infrastructure growth associated with the expansion of the GrandSky park. The initiative also reinforces the city's role as a primary hub for national military logistics and research.

The takeaway

The continued investment in Project ULTRA signals a long-term commitment to UAS infrastructure in the region. Local stakeholders should monitor upcoming site developments as the counter-UAS test bed transitions from concept to active status.