Counter-UAS laser: US Army puts Locust X3 into production with Aerovironment and Leonardo DRS

For the first time, the US Army has awarded a production contract for a high-energy laser weapon system, moving the counter-UAS laser one step further. Aerovironment is building the 30-kilowatt Locust X3 system, while Leonardo DRS supplies key components for power supply and cooling.

The US company Aerovironment received the US Army's first production contract for a high-energy laser weapon system in September. Using concentrated laser energy, the 30-kilowatt Locust X3 is to engage unmanned aerial vehicles under the Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) programme.

A further industrial partner has since been named. Aerovironment has contracted Leonardo DRS to integrate important subsystems. The company contributes its expertise in power supply, cooling and thermal management. These areas are essential for a mobile laser weapon to operate reliably.

Counter-UAS laser: electricity instead of interceptor missiles

The main advantage of such systems is the comparatively low cost per engagement. The laser draws on electrical energy and does not need expensive interceptor missiles. Engagements can be repeated as long as enough power is available and the system's cooling is maintained.

The Locust X3 is designed to be platform-independent. Among other options, it is to be integrated on the US Army's Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), and palletised versions are also planned. Eleven key interfaces define the modular architecture of the E-HEL programme. It is intended to make it easier to incorporate new technologies and to upgrade the system later.

Leonardo DRS has already gained experience from earlier development projects carried out with Aerovironment and other industrial partners. In 2024 and 2025, the company helped integrate a mobile laser weapon into an armoured vehicle and supported the associated firing trials and training activities.

With E-HEL, the US Army is thus moving from testing to production. The system is to complement the existing layered drone defence, above all against smaller unmanned aerial vehicles at low cost. No figures have been published on quantities, contract value or specific delivery dates.