WASHINGTON, D.C. — AeroVironment stated the E-HEL contract is the first production contract for directed energy weapons in U.S. history. Under the terms of the contract, AeroVironment expects to deliver dozens of LOCUST X3 laser weapon systems to the U.S. Army over the next few years. The LOCUST X3 system uses a 30-kilowatt laser beam and is designed to defeat drone threats up to Group 3, which weigh up to 1,320 pounds.

The LOCUST system will be deployed on Army Joint Light Tactical Vehicles and Infantry Squad Vehicles. AeroVironment officials stated the LOCUST X3 can destroy large to medium-sized drones at a cost of under $5 per shot.

Mike Obadal, Under Secretary of the Army, said, "The key to successfully countering all levels of drones is a layered defense of sensors and effectors." He added, "AV and the Army have worked for years to develop directed energy solutions, and we are proud to give our soldiers a decisive edge against drone threats."

Gen. Christopher LaNeve, Acting Chief of Staff, U.S. Army, said, "This first of its kind directed energy program will enable our formations to defeat unmanned systems and dominate from the outset." He also said, "Pairing human ingenuity with advanced technology is what ensures our Army will continue to outpace America’s adversaries."

Safety concerns regarding domestic use of high-energy lasers were addressed earlier this year following airspace incidents. In mid-February, U.S. Customs and Border Protection used a laser system on loan from the Pentagon and erroneously shot down an object near El Paso, Texas. The erroneous shooting near El Paso caused the Federal Aviation Administration to temporarily shut down airspace in the area. Weeks later, troops assigned to the military’s southern border task force shot down a CBP-operated drone near Fort Hancock, Texas.

To resolve safety questions, the Pentagon, FAA, and approximately six other agencies tested the laser system at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico in March 2026. Officials signed a joint-agency agreement declaring the directed energy systems safe following the White Sands tests. AeroVironment invested $30 million in its manufacturing facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico, earlier this year. The LOCUST X3 was unveiled in March 2026.

Why It Matters

The award of the E-HEL contract signifies the transition of directed energy weapons from experimental prototypes to standard military inventory. By securing the first production contract for such systems, the U.S. Army establishes a baseline for future acquisitions of laser-based counter-drone technology. This move supports the Pentagon's stated objective of prioritizing directed energy as a key technological pillar.

The integration of these systems addresses the growing threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles, which have become prevalent in modern conflicts. The ability to engage targets at a cost of under $5 per shot offers a sustainable economic model for defense compared to traditional kinetic interceptors. The recent safety agreements with the FAA further indicate that regulatory hurdles for domestic use are being cleared, potentially expanding the operational environments where these weapons can be employed.

Timeline

On August 30, 2023, TEXRail and the Silver Line submitted a joint request for approval to conduct Positive Train Control field testing. In January 2026, AeroVironment invested $30 million in its manufacturing facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico. On February 15, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection used a laser system on loan from the Pentagon and erroneously shot down an object near El Paso, Texas, causing the Federal Aviation Administration to temporarily shut down airspace in the area.

In March 2026, the LOCUST X3 was unveiled. On March 15, 2026, the Pentagon, FAA, and approximately six other agencies tested the laser system at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. Following these tests, officials signed a joint-agency agreement declaring the directed energy systems safe.

What's New

Additional reporting provides further detail on the capabilities and timeline of the LOCUST system. The LOCUST X3 is designed to defeat drone threats up to Group 3, which weigh up to 1,320 pounds. The system was unveiled in March 2026.

Contextual facts note that a year ago, the US Army received two prototypes of mobile anti-drone systems equipped with directed-energy weapons from AeroVironment for evaluation and testing under the AMP-HEL program. The Pentagon stated that as early as next year, it intends to procure hundreds of thousands of unmanned aerial systems and countermeasures, including directed-energy weapons.

How Sources Differ

Sources present different details regarding the delivery timeline for AeroVironment. The AeroVironment press release states that AeroVironment expects to deliver dozens of LOCUST X3 laser weapon systems to the U.S. Army over the next few years.

There are differing emphases on the significance of the program. Mary Clum, president of AeroVironment’s space, cyber and directed energy program, said, "The Enduring High Energy Laser Program is historically significant." The U.S. Army contract award announcement focuses on the financial aspect, stating that the U.S. Army awarded AeroVironment a $464.8 million contract for the Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program.

Sources differ on the history of Army engagement with AeroVironment's laser technology. The U.S. Army contract award announcement shows the current $464.8 million contract for the E-HEL program.

Reports vary on the specific laser programs involved in recent operations. The U.S. Army contract award announcement refers to the Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program. Newsdata states that the US Army deployed a laser system developed under the AMP-HEL (Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser) program for the first time in early August to intercept three unmanned aerial vehicles believed to be launched by members of Mexican drug cartels.