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General Atomics Opens Remote Split Operation to Fly AFRICOM MQ-9A Reaper Drones From North Dakota
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems opened a Remote Split Operation facility near Grand Forks, North Dakota, on October 30, 2026, to control leased MQ-9A Reapers supporting US Africa Command. The arrangement relocates mission pilots from Africa to the company's Flight Test and Training Center while aircraft continue operating in theatre under a contractor-owned, contractor-operated service. Remote split operations separate forward launch and recovery from mission control conducted over satellite links, retaining maintenance and runway support near deployed aircraft. The company expects approximately 50 local jobs and reduced overseas staffing, while Senator John Hoeven estimates annual savings exceeding $10 million.