DURANT, Okla. – The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) is leading the way in aviation technology with the grand opening of its Emerging Aviation Technology Center in Daisy, Oklahoma. The new facility held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, June 17, to mark its official opening.
Built on remote land owned by CNO, the unique facility supports innovative research, development, testing, and evaluation of emerging crewed and uncrewed aerial system technologies in a safe, low-risk environment.
The three-story, 8,324-square-foot center sits on more than 44,000 acres and features office space, telemetry rooms, drone maintenance and mechanical repair workrooms, a conference lounge, an observation deck, and more.
“This opening represents another step forward for tribal innovation and the future of aviation technology,” said CNO Chief Gary Batton. “We are proud to lead the way in developing safe and advanced drone operations that will benefit our communities across Oklahoma and beyond.”
The Choctaw Nation is the first tribal nation to achieve several significant milestones in emerging aviation. It became the first tribal nation to lead a major national aviation technology initiative, be recognized as a public aircraft operator, and develop advanced drone operations that include capabilities beyond the visual line of sight.
“The Emerging Aviation Technology Center stands at the forefront of advancing critical innovations, such as drone medical deliveries, which have the potential to dramatically improve healthcare access and enhance emergency response across the rural communities of the Choctaw Nation,” said James Grimsley, CNO Executive Director of Advanced Technology Initiatives.
The center is expected to create new jobs, foster partnerships with industry leaders, and position southeastern Oklahoma as a hub for aviation innovation.