Locust Laser Weapon System
| Locust Laser Weapon System | |
|---|---|
 The Locust Laser Weapon System tested on George H.W. Bush | |
| Type | Laser weapon |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2025–present |
| Used by | United States Army United States Marine Corps |
| Production history | |
| Designer | AeroVironment |
| Designed | 2023–2025 |
| Manufacturer | AeroVironment |
The LOCUST Laser Weapon System (LWS) or Modular Laser Directed Energy Weapon System, is a directed-energy weapon developed by AeroVironment to serve as a counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) which utilizes artificial intelligence to intercept unmanned aerial vehicle (UAVs).[1] On December 18, 2025, AeroVironment had delivered the first two Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV)-mounted LOCUST LWSs to the U.S. Army for the Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) prototyping effort to create directed energy lasers that can counter UAVs.[2]
Purpose
[edit]
The LWS uses a MOSA-based modular configuration to be able to be modified to suite specific mission needs. It uses 20-35+ kW of power, with the ability to scale.[3]
Designed for the U.S. Army's JLTV, and M1301 infantry squad vehicle (ISV) and other defensive needs,[2] LWS offers a hard-kill option for incoming UAV threats.[1]
History
[edit]AeroVironment was given a contract by the U.S. Navy's Naval Surface Warfare Center during 2023 to create a prototype for a directed energy weapon for the U.S. Marine Corps' JLTV; this turned into the LWS.[4]
The LWS had been tested on board the USS George H. W. Bush as part of a live-fire test. During the live-fire, the LWS successfully detected, engaged, and destroyed multiple unmanned aerial vehicles.[5]
In August 2026, the system was used to disable UAVs along the US-Mexico border.[6]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- 1 2 "C-UAS Directed Energy Modular Laser Directed Energy Weapon System". bluehalo.com. March 13, 2026.
- 1 2 "U.S. Army Takes Delivery of First JLTV-Mounted LOCUST High-Energy Laser Counter-Drone System". armyrecognition.com. December 20, 2025.
- ↑ "Navy Fires Drone-Frying LOCUST Laser From Supercarrier USS George H.W. Bush". twz.com. April 20, 2026.
- ↑ "BlueHalo to Integrate Directed Energy Capability on U.S. Marine Corps Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV)". bluehalo.com. November 9, 2023.
- ↑ "CVN 77 Tests Laser Weapon System". DVIDS.
- ↑ "The U.S. Army's Laser Weapon Cut Cartel Drone Activity by 75% in Two Weeks". Gadget Review. 2026-09-08. Retrieved 2026-09-09.