Michigan’s first Uncrewed Triple Challenge pushes autonomous innovation across land, sea, and air this May.

Michigan Uncrewed Triple Challenge Sets National Milestone

Michigan is set to make history on May 20 with the inaugural Uncrewed Triple Challenge (UTC), the first known state-sponsored competition testing autonomous systems across sea, air, and land, including a special focus on the Michigan drone race. The event will kick off at 9 a.m. at Alpena Harbor Bay View Park Bandshell on Lake Huron’s Thunder Bay and finish at Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center, covering over 87 miles across Northern Michigan.

Triple Challenge Draws Global Teams and Broad Community Attention

Michigan Drone Race — Blue Minimalist Fundraising Event Instagram Post – 1

The UTC will bring together participants from seven states and three countries. Each team will transport a package across three stages—water, air, and land—using unmanned systems that operate without human intervention. The maritime course spans five nautical miles in Thunder Bay, the air course covers nearly 59 miles, and the land course wraps up with 23.5 miles at Camp Grayling.

Spectators can follow the action from three locations: Alpena Harbor, the CACTF Soccer Field, and the Parade Field at Camp Grayling. Free transportation between the Camp Grayling sites will be provided. The public can also view the competition via livestream on the Michigan National Guard’s YouTube channel.

Michigan National Guard and State Agencies Join Forces

The competition is sponsored by the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Michigan National Guard, Michigan Department of Transportation, and Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Key speakers at the opening include U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers and Alpena Mayor Cindy Johnson. Entertainment will be provided by the 126th Army Band of the Michigan National Guard and local radio station Q100.

Innovation and Autonomy Take Center Stage

The event will not only crown the team with the fastest overall time but will also award best-in-class winners for Maritime, Air, Land, and Payload Transfer performance. Organizers expect the challenge to advance drone innovation, improve autonomous technology testing, and boost Michigan’s reputation as a hub for tech development.

According to the Michigan National Guard, the National All-Domain Warfighting Center was chosen for its complex terrain and facilities that mirror real-world challenges, making it an ideal setting for the UTC’s first run.

A Boost for Northern Michigan’s Economy and Profile

The event is expected to attract visitors to Northern Michigan, benefiting local businesses in Alpena and Grayling. With food trucks, military displays, and family-friendly activities, the competition aims to engage the public and promote interest in science, technology, and defense innovation.

Related Coverage and Context

Michigan continues to invest in autonomous vehicle and drone testing as part of its strategy to grow a future-focused economy.
Camp Grayling and Alpena have hosted numerous military training exercises, adding to their significance as innovation centers.
The National All-Domain Warfighting Center has played a critical role in testing next-generation military technology.

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