AI Generated Image
ever laser production contract to AV, with $465M value
Breaking Defense • • business
Key Points:
- The U.S. Army awarded AeroVironment (AV) a $464.8 million contract for the Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program, marking its first production contract for a high-energy laser weapon system.
- AV will deliver dozens of LOCUST X3 laser counter-drone systems over the next few years, with initial capabilities expected within the year, and plans to scale production significantly in the coming 12 to 24 months.
- The LOCUST X3 system uses a 30kw laser capable of neutralizing drone threats up to Group 3 (drones weighing up to 1,320 pounds), providing a cost-effective alternative to kinetic weapons like missiles.
- The laser system is designed to address threats from various drone classes, including those used by adversaries such as Iran, and has demonstrated thousands of successful drone neutralizations during testing.
- The LOCUST family has been previously deployed near the U.S.-Mexico border and tested at White Sands Missile Range, showcasing its operational readiness and strategic importance for global combatant commands.
