Laser counter-drone defence: AeroVironment successfully tests Locust in US airspace for the first time

AeroVironment (AV) has successfully completed a laser counter-drone test in US airspace for the first time, together with the US Department of Defense and the US aviation authority FAA. According to the company, this is a milestone for directed energy systems and for US homeland defence.

The trials took place at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) at the beginning of March. According to AeroVironment, the Locust high-energy laser system was able to demonstrate that it engages drone targets safely and precisely. The test was led by Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401). At the same time, it formed the basis for a subsequent agreement between the Department of Defense and the FAA that validates in principle the use of the system in US national airspace.

John Garrity, Vice President for Directed Energy Systems at AeroVironment, said: “This is a decisive moment for directed energy and the future of homeland defence.” He added: “Locust has now proven that the system can be operated safely and effectively even in the most complex airspace in the world.”

Safety mechanisms of laser counter-drone defence

Particular attention during the tests was paid to the safety mechanisms. Automatic shut-off functions are designed to ensure that the system only engages clearly identified targets. In addition, scenarios with civil air traffic were simulated so that any impact on regular flight operations can be ruled out.

Locust also proved that it can precisely engage both stationary and moving aerial targets. For AeroVironment, this shows that the system is ready for use in modern air defence architectures against drone threats.

Brigadier General Matt Ross, who heads JIATF-401, underlined the importance of the technology for homeland defence: “These successful tests demonstrate the progress in counter-drone technology and ensure that our forces have state-of-the-art capabilities to protect national airspace.”

Background: the number of drone incidents and unauthorised drone flights in US airspace has been rising for years. Authorities and armed forces are therefore under growing pressure to develop counter-drone solutions that are both effective and safe.

After a comprehensive safety assessment, the FAA concluded that the laser systems tested pose “no increased risk to civil aviation”. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford pointed to the close cooperation with the Department of Defense, through which new capabilities are to be integrated safely into national airspace.

Locust is also part of AeroVironment's new Halo Shield architecture. This is a layered defence system designed to detect, track and engage a wide variety of air threats. It combines sensors, battle management and various effectors; in future it is primarily intended to protect critical infrastructure, borders and sensitive facilities.

Mary Clum, President of Space, Cyber and Directed Energy at AeroVironment, emphasised the close cooperation between the military, authorities and industry: “Coordination between the agencies involved was crucial to bring together operational, regulatory and safety requirements for this unprecedented test.”