Osage Nation Invests in the Future: Drone Technology at Skyway Range

Tour Highlights Plans to Build a National Hub for UAS Innovation and Long-Term Economic Growth

Osage LLC welcomed members of the Osage Nation Congress to Skyway Range for a tour and briefing that highlighted a major investment in the future of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS). The visit offered leaders a close look at long-term plans to grow Skyway Range into a national center for drone innovation, testing, and economic development.

The visit underscored the Osage Nation’s strategy to invest in advanced aerospace technology and position tribal lands as a hub for the emerging drone economy.

“The tour provided the opportunity to hear and see the potential in Osage LLC’s vision,” said Osage Nation Congressional Speaker Pam Shaw. “I’m looking forward to seeing what is next for Skyway Range. Utilizing this property for the benefit of the Osage people is what it’s all about.”

A Vision for Growth

Skyway Range already plays an important role in the U.S. drone landscape. The site offers nearly 1,200 square miles of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) testing space across urban and rural terrain. The range sits near Tulsa International Airport’s Class C airspace, giving drone developers access to one of the most flexible and capable UAS testing areas in the country.

Osage LLC is also part of the Tulsa Regional Advanced Mobility (TRAM) Cluster. This group includes tribal, public, private, non-profit, and academic partners. Together they are building an advanced mobility ecosystem for northeast Oklahoma. Through TRAM, the region secured a Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC) award from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

BBBRC investments support efforts to grow research and development capacity, build testing infrastructure, and expand industrial facilities. These investments help attract companies, strengthen workforce programs, and support new UAS businesses.

“We were honored to host members of Congress and showcase the incredible opportunities taking shape at Skyway Range,” said Russell Goff, CEO of Osage LLC. “The investments made by the Osage Congress are already opening the door for high-value partnerships, new technologies, and long-term economic opportunities for our Nation. As we expand Skyway Range and the surrounding district, our focus is to leverage these assets to create jobs, attract industry, and generate sustainable benefits for the Osage people.”

Building for the Future

Osage LLC shared its long-term plans for the site, which begin with a phased development strategy north of 36th Street in Tulsa. Phase One includes $6 million in capital investments approved by the Osage Nation Congress. Office and small-scale manufacturing facilities could be completed between late 2026 and early 2027.

Future plans include:

A new Command Center and expanded operations hub.
A 50,000-square-foot facility for UAS assembly, prototyping, and light industrial research.
Infrastructure upgrades and signage improvements to support commercial readiness.
Opportunities for additional manufacturing, office, and mixed-use development based on customer demand and Nation-led land decisions.

The expansion aligns with the Osage Nation’s broader goals to strengthen sovereignty and build long-term economic independence.

First Tenant: Windshape

Osage LLC recently welcomed its first tenant, Windshape, a Swiss aerospace company known for advanced indoor weather simulation and drone performance testing. Windshape demonstrated its technology for visiting members of the Osage Nation Congress. The system helps drone makers verify reliability, safety, and durability.

The arrival of Windshape marks an important step in building a commercial ecosystem around Skyway Range. It also shows how Osage investments are attracting international companies to tribal land.

A Long-Term Commitment

As Osage LLC grows its footprint in Osage County and the Tulsa region, leaders say the focus will remain on using tribal land in ways that support Osage citizens. The strategy aims to strengthen sovereignty, create skilled jobs, and build a long-term foundation for economic growth.

Miriam McNabb

Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.

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