Navy Fires Drone-Frying LOCUST Laser From Supercarrier USS George H.W. Bush
AI Analysis
The U.S. Navy successfully tested the AeroVironment LOCUST laser counter-drone system aboard the USS George H.W. Bush, marking the first time a laser weapon has been fitted to a carrier. The system effectively neutralized multiple drones, demonstrating its potential as a directed energy weapon for naval defense.
Key Takeaways
- First-time deployment of a laser weapon on a U.S. aircraft carrier.
- Successful neutralization of multiple UAVs during the test.
- Collaboration between the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army RCCTO.
- LOCUST LWS is platform-agnostic, adaptable to various platforms.
- Part of a broader strategy to integrate directed energy weapons in naval defense.
Why It Matters
The successful test of the LOCUST laser system signifies a major advancement in naval defense capabilities, particularly in countering UAV threats. This development aligns with the Navy's strategic goal to incorporate directed energy weapons as a primary defense mechanism, enhancing the operational flexibility and effectiveness of U.S. naval forces.
Navy Fires Drone-Frying LOCUST Laser From Supercarrier USS George H.W. Bush
USN/Chief Petty Officer Brian Brooks
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The U.S. Navy has disclosed the test of an AeroVironment LOCUST laser counter-drone system, which has been in the news recently, aboard the Nimitz class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush. As far as TWZ is aware, this looks to be the first time a laser weapon has been fitted to a carrier. Earlier this year, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle, the Navy’s top officer, said his goal was for directed energy weapons to eventually be the go-to choice for the crews of American warships when facing close-in threats.
The Navy has shared three pictures of the LOCUST system onboard USS George H.W. Bush, seen at the top of this story and below. They were all taken on October 5, 2025, but released today. This coincides with the start of the Navy League’s annual Sea-Air-Space exposition, at which TWZ is in attendance.
An AeroVironment LOCUST laser counter-drone system aboard the USS George H.W. Bush during a test in October 2025. USN
The captions to each of the images include the following: “During the live-fire event, [the] LOCUST LWS [laser weapon system] effectively detected, tracked, engaged, and neutralized multiple unmanned aerial vehicles marking a milestone toward fielding operational directed energy capabilities.”
TWZ has reached out to the Navy for more information.
Another view of the LOCUST system on USS George H.W. Bush’s flight deck during the test last year. USN/Chief Petty Officer Brian Brooks
“The successful demonstration of its palletized LOCUST Laser Weapon System (LWS) aboard the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) in October 2025″ was conducted “in collaboration with the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO),” according to a press release from AeroVironment.
A stock picture of the supercarrier USS George H.W. Bush. USN
“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,” the release adds. “This achievement validates that the LOCUST LWS is truly platform-agnostic, seamlessly transitioning from fixed-site and land-based mobile platfo