AMP-HEL Laser: 1 Major Army Drone Defence Test | DMX Defence
AI Analysis
The U.S. Army is actively testing and fielding laser-based counter-UAS systems, specifically the AeroVironment LOCUST (Laser on Universal Combinable Ultra-light System Technology) as part of the AMP-HEL program. Testing occurred at White Sands Missile Range with U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll personally observing a successful engagement against a drone target. Initial systems are slated for delivery in 2025, mounted on both Infantry Squad Vehicles (ISV) and Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV).
Key Takeaways
- The AMP-HEL program aims to rapidly field directed energy weapons to counter evolving drone threats.
- LOCUST systems deliver approximately 20 kilowatts of continuous laser power, capable of damaging small drones through thermal effects.
- Initial LOCUST systems were delivered to the Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office in September 2025, with additional systems delivered on JLTVs in December 2025.
- The ISV platform (based on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2) and JLTV are being utilized to provide mobile laser capabilities.
- White Sands Missile Range is a key testing ground for UAS and counter-UAS technologies, demonstrating the Army’s commitment to directed energy weapon development.
Why It Matters
The successful testing and rapid fielding of laser-based C-UAS represents a significant shift towards directed energy weapons as a viable defense against drone swarms and other unmanned systems. This reduces reliance on traditional kinetic or electronic warfare methods and offers a hard-kill solution. The accelerated acquisition timeline highlights the urgency the Army places on addressing the growing drone threat.
AMP-HEL Laser: 1 Major Army Drone Defence Test | DMX Defence
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AMP-HEL laser testing in New Mexico shows how the U.S. Army wants cheaper counter-drone firepower.
AMP-HEL Laser Tested In New Mexico
U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll personally tested the AMP-HEL laser system at White Sands Missile Range. The visit took place in New Mexico on May 27.
Driscoll sat at the operator’s position of a laser-armed vehicle. He then checked the weapon against a drone target during the visit.
White Sands Becomes A Key Test Site
Driscoll said White Sands allows large-scale UAS and counter-UAS testing. Therefore, the site remains one of the Army’s most important proving grounds.
The test also showed Washington’s growing confidence in directed energy. Moreover, it signalled that laser weapons now sit inside serious defence planning.
İmage: Amanda McLean
AMP-HEL Laser On The ISV
The Army mounted the AMP-HEL laser on a General Motors Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle. This platform gives the laser a fast and mobile host.
The Infantry Squad Vehicle is a 9-seat light tactical vehicle. It is based on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 pickup truck.
A Mobile Laser Truck
The Army selected the ISV to carry AeroVironment’s LOCUST laser weapon system. AeroVironment is a California-based company known for small surveillance drones.
LOCUST stands for Laser on Universal Combinable Ultra-light System Technology. The system produces about 20 kilowatts of continuous laser power.
LOCUST Laser Targets Small Drones
A 20-kilowatt laser can damage small drones through sustained illumination. The laser heats structural materials until the target suffers physical failure.
This process can take seconds when the beam remains on target. As a result, the system offers a hard-kill option against small unmanned threats.
First Systems Delivered In 2025
AeroVironment delivered the first two ISV-mounted LOCUST systems in September 2025. The systems went to the Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office.
In December 2025, the company delivered two more systems on Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicles. Those JLTV-mounted systems used a larger beam director aperture.
According to AeroVironment’s official LOCUST delivery announcement, the second increment improved longer-range engagement effectiveness.
The AMP-HEL laser system undergoing testing. (İmage: Amanda McLean)
AMP-HEL Laser And Faster Fielding
The deliveries form part of the AMP-HEL prototyping effort. The programme aims to put mature directed-energy systems into soldiers’ hands faster.
That faster route matters because drone threats evolve quickly. Therefore, long acquisition timelines can leave units behind the battlefield threat curve.
Mary Clum Highlights Readiness
Mary Clum, Senior Vice President