AVAV's Latest LOCUST Laser Weapon Systems Boost Army Counter-Drone Defenses
Delivery of Advanced Laser Weapons Marks Major Milestone in Army’s Modernization
In a significant move for military technology, AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) announced it has delivered two Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV)-mounted LOCUST Laser Weapon Systems (LWS) to the U.S. Army. These new systems, designed for counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) missions, form part of the second phase of the Army’s Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) prototyping initiative. The systems are now in the hands of the Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO), reflecting broader shifts in how the Army acquires and integrates advanced technology.
LOCUST LWS: Operationally Proven, Now More Lethal
This latest increment builds on AVAV’s initial AMP-HEL prototype, which featured LOCUST lasers on Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) platforms. The new JLTV-mounted version retains its powerful 20kW-class laser but upgrades to a larger aperture beam director, directly enhancing its lethality and operational range. For military stakeholders, this translates into a more capable system able to track, target, and disable increasingly sophisticated aerial threats on the move.
| Key System | Platform | Laser Power | Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOCUST LWS | Oshkosh JLTV | 20 kW | Larger aperture beam director |
| LOCUST LWS | GM Defense ISV | 20 kW | First increment (baseline prototype) |
Army Adoption Signals Growing Confidence in Directed Energy
According to AVAV, the delivered LOCUST LWS are not just high-tech prototypes—they’re systems proven through multiple years of operational deployment, including missions outside the United States. In previous roles, the same LOCUST-based platforms have consistently performed against real-world aerial threats, providing tangible protection to both warfighters and critical infrastructure. These successes have clearly helped cement the Army’s faith in laser-based defenses, turning directed energy from a ‘future concept’ into a credible, deployable force protection tool.
Scalability and Platform Flexibility Underpin LOCUST’s Value
A key advantage of the LOCUST LWS is its modular, platform-agnostic design. The technology integrates with a variety of vehicles—including fixed-base setups and tactical, maneuverable units like the JLTV and ISV. This means the Army can adapt and scale its counter-drone strategy to different missions, terrains, and threat levels, all while relying on a unified core technology that’s cost-effective and easy to operate. As demand for reliable C-UAS solutions grows, AVAV’s focus on manufacturing scalability is likely to become increasingly important.
What’s Next for AVAV and Military Laser Systems?
For defense industry watchers, the deployment of AVAV’s LOCUST LWS raises important questions about the trajectory of military spending, technology adoption, and battlefield needs. The move toward proven, integrated laser weapons points to an arms race in counter-drone technology—and places AVAV among a select group of defense contractors shaping the future of modern combat.
Key Takeaway: Directed Energy Goes Operational
The latest JLTV-mounted LOCUST deliveries highlight more than just AVAV’s innovation—they confirm that directed energy weapons are rapidly shifting from concept to battlefield mainstay. For those following the defense sector, this marks a critical inflection point, with scalability, platform flexibility, and proven field performance likely to drive ongoing demand.
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