AV demonstrates LOCUST Laser Weapon System aboard Aircraft Carrier - Naval News
AI Analysis
AeroVironment, Inc. successfully demonstrated its LOCUST Laser Weapon System aboard the USS George H.W. Bush, effectively neutralizing multiple drones. This marks a significant step in deploying operational directed energy capabilities across various platforms.
Key Takeaways
- Successful demonstration of LOCUST Laser Weapon System on USS George H.W. Bush.
- LOCUST effectively detected, tracked, and neutralized multiple UAVs.
- System is platform-agnostic, compatible with both land and maritime platforms.
- Features roll-on, roll-off capabilities and can utilize ship's power.
- Collaboration involved U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, and AeroVironment, Inc.
Why It Matters
The successful demonstration of the LOCUST system aboard an aircraft carrier showcases its versatility and potential for rapid deployment across various military platforms. This capability enhances the U.S. Navy's ability to counter emerging drone threats efficiently, without extensive ship modifications, thereby strengthening national defense strategies.
AV demonstrates LOCUST Laser Weapon System aboard Aircraft Carrier - Naval News
AV demonstrates LOCUST Laser Weapon System aboard Aircraft Carrier
- About Us
- Published on 21/04/2026
- By Naval News Staff
- In Sea Air Space 2026
A containerized LOCUST Laser Weapon System (LWS) is set up on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), for a live-fire test. During the live-fire event, LOCUST LWS effectively detected, tracked, engaged, and neutralized multiple unmanned aerial vehicles marking a milestone toward fielding operational directed energy capabilities. (Photo courtesy U.S. Navy)
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AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) today announced the successful demonstration of its palletized LOCUST® Laser Weapon System (LWS) aboard the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) in October 2025 in collaboration with the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO).
AV press release
During the live-fire event, the Palletized High Energy Laser (P-HEL) system tracked, engaged, and neutralized multiple target drones—marking a major milestone toward fielding operational directed energy capabilities across all domains and platforms. This achievement validates that the LOCUST LWS is truly platform-agnostic, seamlessly transitioning from fixed-site and land-based mobile platforms, such as the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) and Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV), to the dynamic and demanding environment of a maneuvering aircraft carrier.
“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 Fleet without the need for costly, time-consuming ship modifications. This is a game-changer for the Navy and for our national security.”
A member of the joint U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, and AeroVironment, Inc. team makes adjustments to the containerized LOCUST Laser Weapon System (LWS) on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), for a live-fire test. During the live-fire event, LOCUST LWS effectively detected, tracked, engaged, and neutralized multiple unmanned aerial vehicles marking a milestone toward fielding operational directed energy capabilities. (Photo courtesy U.S. Navy)
LOCUST’s successful shipboard operation showcases:
- True platform flexibility: Rapid integration across ground and maritime platforms
- Ship compatibility: LOCUST features roll-on, roll-off capabilities and can recharge its battery bank or fully run off ship’s power,–marrying an unlimited DE magazine with an essentially unlimited power source while reducing logistical footprint and integration complexity
- Precision aim point and beam control: Accurately acquiri