AeroVironment Takes Locust Laser Weapon To Sea | Aviation Week Network
AI Analysis
AeroVironment's Locust laser weapon system has successfully completed naval trials aboard the USS George H.W. Bush, demonstrating its capability to neutralize drone threats. The trials were conducted with the U.S. Navy and Army, showcasing the system's adaptability for maritime operations.
Key Takeaways
- AeroVironment's Locust laser weapon underwent successful naval trials on the USS George H.W. Bush.
- The system effectively tracked and neutralized multiple drone targets during the trials.
- The trials were conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office.
- AeroVironment aims to expand its laser weapon capabilities to counter higher-end threats, targeting the Pentagon's Golden Dome system.
- The company is focusing on low-cost-per-kill counter-drone solutions and plans to scale up to a 150-kW system.
Why It Matters
The successful trials of AeroVironment's Locust laser weapon highlight the increasing importance of counter-UAS technologies in naval operations, particularly in regions like the Middle East where drone threats are prevalent. This development aligns with broader defense strategies to enhance maritime security and protect naval assets from emerging aerial threats.
AeroVironment Takes Locust Laser Weapon To Sea | Aviation Week Network
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AeroVironment Takes Locust Laser Weapon To Sea
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Robert Wall April 21, 2026
Credit: AeroVironment
AeroVironment says its Locust laser weapon to counter drones has undergone naval trials.
The system deployed in a palletized form on the CVN 77 USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier last year. It tracked, engaged and neutralized multiple drone targets during the October event, the company said April 21.
The trials were conducted in partnership with the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office.
The U.S. Navy and many of its counterparts have become increasingly concerned about drone and drone-swarm attacks given threats in the Middle East and potentially elsewhere.
AeroVironment has been trying to capitalize on demand for low-cost-per-kill counter-drone systems. In March, the company unveiled the Locust X3 system as a 20-35-kW higher-energy laser it said targets small to medium-sized uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS).
AeroVironment said the at-sea trials validated its ability to use the laser weapon across multiple platforms.
“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,” the company’s vice president of directed energy systems, John Garrity, said in the statement.
A ship application is somewhat more complicated than land-based use on a stationary vehicle given the rolling movement of the vessel. That problem is somewhat lessened with an installation on an aircraft carrier.
AeroVironment has said it is looking to parlay its work on counter-UAS laser weapons to go after anticipated business to combat higher-end threats, with an eye on the Pentagon’s Golden Dome system by scaling up to a 150-kW system.
Robert Wall is Executive Editor for Defense and Space. Based in London, he directs a team of military and space journalists across the U.S., Europe and Asia-Pacific.