A major step forward for advanced air mobility in the United States is taking shape in Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula, where a new public-private partnership is set to transform the region into a hub for next-generation drone operations. Supported by the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME) through its Michigan Mobility Funding Platform (MMFP), the initiative will establish an Operations Center in Chippewa County to enable near-border drone missions with real-time airspace coordination and FAA-authorised traffic management.
The project, led by ANRA Technologies, unites the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC), Censys Technologies, and the Michigan Tech Research Institute (MTRI). Together, they aim to position Chippewa County as a strategic testbed for scalable Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) operations, integrating private and public sector needs in one of the most promising frontiers of aviation innovation.
“This project exemplifies Michigan’s commitment to leading the future of advanced air mobility,” said Justine Johnson, Michigan’s Chief Mobility Officer at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “By fostering collaboration across sectors, we’re igniting a catalyst for innovation that will drive long-term growth—benefiting both public services and private enterprise.”
At the centre of the effort is ANRA Technologies’ FAA-authorised airspace management platform, which will be deployed alongside Censys Technologies’ long-endurance drones. This integration will create a unified operational picture supporting missions such as emergency response, infrastructure inspection, and logistics.
“Building the digital infrastructure needed to safely scale drone operations is critical,” explained Amit Ganjoo, Founder and CEO of ANRA Technologies. “Our work in Chippewa County demonstrates how collaboration can unlock real value for communities through smarter, more secure airspace management.”
Chippewa County’s location—bordering Canada and close to the St. Marys River—provides ideal conditions for testing cross-border coordination and airspace integration. The county’s aviation facilities, including the Chippewa County International Airport (CIU), will host ANRA’s Operational Picture platform to enable local airspace management and real-time traffic awareness.
“This project represents a significant leap forward for Chippewa County,” said Chris Olson, President of the CCEDC. “It aligns perfectly with our strengths in aviation, technology, and cross-border logistics, and we’re proud to play a leading role in advancing drone mobility.”
Censys Technologies, a key partner in the project, brings its expertise in Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. “Deploying our systems in a mission-critical, near-border environment shows how American-made drone technology can deliver real impact,” said Trevor Perrott, CEO of Censys Technologies.
The Michigan Tech Research Institute will contribute to data analytics and performance evaluation, applying its research strengths in autonomy, environmental science, and remote sensing. “We see this as a proving ground for both policy and technology,” noted Dr. Colin Brooks, Transportation Program Area Manager at MTRI.
With state-level support from Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Executive Directive 2025-4, Michigan is laying the groundwork for a robust advanced air mobility ecosystem. “Chippewa’s location, terrain, and diverse users make it a perfect place to mature UAS systems,” added Melinda Marion of Precision Approach LLC.
The project’s first phase—covering partner coordination, simulation, and tabletop exercises—will begin in mid-2025, followed by live flight testing and mission deployment in 2026. Final results are expected by the third quarter of 2026, marking an important milestone in the evolution of Michigan’s air mobility landscape.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: ANRA TECHNOLOGIES
