AV’s LOCUST Demonstrates Landmark Capability at White Sands with JIATF-401 and FAA
AI Analysis
AeroVironment's LOCUST high-energy laser C-UAS system successfully demonstrated safe and effective engagement of drone targets at White Sands Missile Range in coordination with JIATF-401 and the FAA. The testing validated the system's ability to operate within complex national airspace without impacting civilian aircraft, leading to an agreement for domestic use. LOCUST demonstrated precision targeting of both stationary and airborne drones with automated safety features.
Key Takeaways
- AeroVironment’s LOCUST system successfully engaged drone targets using directed energy.
- Testing was conducted at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in coordination with JIATF-401 and the FAA.
- LOCUST features automated safety shut-off and positive identification protocols to prevent unintended engagements.
- The system demonstrated effectiveness against both stationary and airborne targets.
- The successful test has led to an agreement validating LOCUST for domestic use, accelerating deployment.
Why It Matters
This demonstration represents a significant step towards operationalizing directed energy weapons for C-UAS missions within the US national airspace. The FAA validation is crucial for deploying these systems domestically to protect critical infrastructure and events from drone threats. This success could spur further investment and development in laser-based C-UAS technologies.
AV’s LOCUST Demonstrates Landmark Capability at White Sands with JIATF-401 and FAA
May 6, 2026 9:10 AM Eastern Daylight Time
AV’s LOCUST Demonstrates Landmark Capability at White Sands with JIATF-401 and FAA
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Coordinated test confirms safe, controlled laser engagement of drone targets in complex national airspace
AV’s LOCUST® high-energy laser system undergoes testing at White Sands Missile Range, demonstrating safe, precise counter-drone capability in coordination with DOW–FAA national airspace validation efforts. (Photo Courtesy of the U.S. Army).
ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV) today announced a historic milestone for directed energy and homeland defense following the successful execution of a first-of-its-kind counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) laser test in coordination with the U.S. Department of War and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The test at WSMR demonstrated automated safety shut-off capabilities that ensure the system only engages validated targets, among other safety features. The testing also showed no adverse impact to civilian aircraft during controlled evaluation scenarios.
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During an early March test event at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), led by Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401), AV’s LOCUST® high-energy laser system demonstrated its ability to safely and effectively defend U.S. national airspace against emerging drone threats, directly supporting a subsequent agreement between the DOW and FAA that validates the system for domestic use.
“This is a defining moment for directed energy and for the future of homeland defense,” said John Garrity, Vice President for Directed Energy Systems at AV. “LOCUST has now proven its ability to operate safely and effectively in the most complex airspace environment in the world. This achievement accelerates the transition of directed energy from experimentation to operational deployment—delivering a scalable, cost-effective solution to counter the rapidly growing drone threat.”
The test at WSMR demonstrated automated safety shut-off capabilities that ensure the system only engages validated targets, among other safety features. The testing also showed no adverse impact to civilian aircraft during controlled evaluation scenarios and showed precision engagement through strict positive identification protocols.
AV’s LOCUST also showed the ability to hit both stationary and airborne targets to demonstrate accuracy, persistence, and operational realism.
"This successful test showcases the significant advancements we’re making in counter-drone technology to ensure that our warfighters have the most advanced tools to defend the homeland," U.S. Army Brigadier General Matt Ross, director of JIATF-401 said recently in a joint Press Release. "By working hand-in-hand with the FAA and our interagency partners, the Department of War is proving that these cutting-edge capabilities are safe, effective, a