US Navy tests plug-and-play laser system on USS Bush carrier, downs drones at sea - Counter Drone Technology | Aerovironment News
AI Analysis
The US Navy successfully tested the LOCUST Laser Weapon System on the USS George H.W. Bush, demonstrating its capability to down drones at sea without extensive ship modifications. This marks a significant advancement in naval counter-drone technology using directed energy weapons.
Key Takeaways
- The LOCUST Laser Weapon System is a plug-and-play directed energy weapon tested on a moving carrier.
- The system successfully engaged multiple drones, proving its operational viability at sea.
- The test was a joint effort between the US Navy and the US Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office.
- The laser system offers a cost-effective counter-drone solution without the need for traditional munitions.
- This development is part of a broader Pentagon strategy to address low-cost, high-volume aerial threats.
Why It Matters
The successful deployment of the LOCUST laser system signifies a shift towards more flexible and cost-effective naval defenses against drone threats. It enhances the Navy's capability to protect assets without relying on traditional munitions, aligning with a strategic move towards integrated and layered defense systems.
US Navy tests plug-and-play laser system on USS Bush carrier, downs drones at sea - Counter Drone Technology | Aerovironment News
Navy demonstrates palletized LOCUST laser system at sea, proving counter-drone capability without costly ship modifications.
The U.S. Navy is accelerating its push into directed energy weapons as drone threats grow more complex and persistent.In its latest move, the service has tested a high-energy laser system at sea, signaling a shift toward faster, lower-cost counter-drone defenses that do not rely on traditional munitions.
The development reflects a broader Pentagon effort to counter low-cost, high-volume aerial threats.That effort came aboard the USS George H.W. Bush , where a palletized laser weapon tracked and destroyed aerial targets in a live-fire demonstration.The test offers a glimpse into how future naval defenses could operate modular, scalable, and ready to deploy without extensive ship redesign or long integration timelines.Laser test at seaThe demonstration featured the LOCUST Laser Weapon System developed by AeroVironment. Conducted in October 2025, the trial showed the system engaging multiple drones using its Palletized High Energy Laser setup.Operators tracked and neutralized targets in real time. The system maintained accuracy despite the carrier’s movement. That result marks a key milestone for shipborne laser integration and operational viability.The Navy partnered with the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office for the test. The joint effort highlights how different branches are aligning around directed energy solutions and shared system architectures.“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.”Counter-drone breakthroughLOCUST’s performance at sea underscores its role in countering unmanned aerial threats.The system engaged multiple drones during the exercise, demonstrating reliable lethality in a realistic operational environment.Its ability to function on a moving carrier addresses one of the biggest hurdles for naval laser weapons.LOCUST laser weapon system during live-wire test. Credit – Chief Petty Officer Brian Brooks, Commander, Naval Air Force AtlanticEngineers focused on stabilizing beam control and maintaining precision under dynamic conditions at sea.The test also reinforces the growing importance of layered defense strategies. Directed energy systems can complement existing missile and electronic warfare tools, offering a cost-effective response to drone swarms and repeated attacks.Plug-and-play combat systemLOCUST’s defining fea