- LOCUST laser tested aboard the USS George HW Bush during direct drone engagement
- Palletized system deployed without permanent ship modification during demonstration
- Newer Locust versions introduce AI-assisted tracking and higher power
Drone warfare has grown rapidly in recent years, with large numbers of low-cost systems used across conflicts such as Ukraine and in operations linked to Iran.
Defending against repeated drone strikes has exposed the limits of traditional interceptors, prompting the US military (and others) to explore laser weapons that can fire repeatedly without running out of ammunition.
AeroVironment says it has successfully demonstrated its LOCUST laser weapon system aboard the aircraft carrier USS George HW Bush during a live-fire exercise conducted with the US Navy and the US Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office.
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Designed to counter smaller drones
The palletized LOCUST Laser Weapon System was deployed on the carrier and tracked, engaged and neutralized multiple unmanned aerial vehicles, demonstrating that the system could operate from a mobile carrier environment.
The high-energy laser is mounted in a tower that can be rolled onto various platforms. This design enables the system to operate from either its own battery bank or draw power directly from a ship, reducing the need for permanent installation work.
“LOCUST delivers effective, all-domain protection against emerging drone threats at the speed of light—on any platform, in any domain, for any mission,” said John Garrity, Vice President of Directed Energy Systems at AV.
“Rolling LOCUST onto a ship and quickly initiating operations facilitates the expanded use of high-energy lasers across the Navy without the need for expensive, time-consuming ship modifications. This is a game-changer for the Navy and for our national security.”
AeroVironment said the system demonstrated target tracking and beam control while operating aboard the aircraft, and the same core system architecture is shared across multiple military services so the technology can be used on land-based vehicles as well as ships.
The war zone says this appears to be the first time a laser weapon of this type has been installed on a US aircraft carrier and that systems like LOCUST typically operate in a power range of about 20 kW. This places them in the category of weapons primarily intended to counter smaller drones.
TWZ also points out that lasers still face practical limitations in operating settings. Beam efficiency decreases over distance, and weather conditions such as dust, smoke, or moisture can reduce performance before the beam reaches its target.
Defense Express notes that AeroVironment has continued to develop newer versions of the system, including an updated model known as the Locust X3.
This version supports power levels between 20kW and 35kW and includes AI-assisted detection and tracking tools.
Defense Express also reports that shooting down a drone using the Locust X3 laser system costs only five dollars with no need to recharge, making it useful over longer periods of time.
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