US Army Secures First-Ever Contract for LOCUST Combat Laser Systems to Neutralize Drones

US Army Awards Landmark Contract for LOCUST Laser Defense Systems

According to НВ — Техно: On September 14, the United States Army finalized its inaugural contract to procure LOCUST combat laser systems designed specifically to destroy drones. AeroVironment was awarded the contract, valued at $464.8 million. LOCUST is a directed-energy weapon tailored to counter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) weighing between 9 and 600 kilograms, making it a versatile asset for various combat scenarios.

Advanced Features and Deployment Capabilities

Equipped with lasers ranging from 20 to 35 kilowatts, the LOCUST system is managed by the Halo Pinpoint artificial intelligence software. It can be mounted on the Army’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) as well as the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV). Rigorous testing took place at the White Sands Missile Range, validating all operational functions. The laser weapon incorporates automatic safety shutdown mechanisms to ensure precise target identification, enhancing both effectiveness and operational safety.

LOCUST offers continuous operation as long as power is supplied, with the cost per laser shot estimated at approximately $5-highlighting its cost-efficiency for sustained military use. Earlier versions of the system were developed under the Army’s AMP-HEL (Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser) and PHEL (Palletized High Energy Laser) initiatives.

• Since August, the AMP-HEL high-energy laser has successfully destroyed 11 cartel-linked drones along the US-Mexico border.
• The integration of LOCUST into regular Army service underscores its critical role in modern defense strategies.

The adoption of LOCUST marks a major advancement in air defense technology, enabling the US Army to effectively counter drone threats. Its low operational cost and advanced capabilities are expected to drive widespread deployment across various missions. This contract reflects a strategic commitment to investing in cutting-edge technologies that are reshaping combat tactics in today’s conflicts.

As the US Army enhances its drone defense capabilities with the LOCUST laser systems, it's worth noting the recent operational success where the Army's AMP-HEL high-energy laser effectively neutralized eleven cartel drones along the US-Mexico border. This incident highlights the growing importance of advanced laser technology in addressing aerial threats. For more details on this significant achievement, read about how the Army took down cartel drones using innovative laser solutions.