US Army Gets First Two Counter-Drone Laser Weapons From AV
AV has delivered its first two “LOCUST” mobile counter-drone laser weapon system (LWS) prototypes to the US Army.
It is part of the first phase of the Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) initiative, which aims to mount Infantry Squad Vehicles with a 20-kilowatt laser weapon for protection against drone threats on the battlefield.
The service first awarded BlueHalo, acquired by AeroVironment and now known as AV, to develop the capability in April 2023 under a $45.7-million contract.
AMP-HEL Program
Managed by the US Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office, the AMP-HEL program began around 2022 to protect small infantry units.
It complements a similar effort of mounting a 50-kilowatt laser weapon onto a Stryker combat vehicle.
Both support a broader US military modernization initiative involving several mounted directed energy weapons programs.
“This milestone marks a major step forward in the Army’s pursuit of fieldable directed energy capabilities,” said Mary Clum, Senior VP for AV’s Space & Directed Energy Group.
Meanwhile, John Garrity, VP of Directed Energy Systems for AV, emphasized the company’s commitment to the army’s modernization and modularity priorities against evolving threats.
In October, AV is scheduled to deliver two Joint Light Tactical Vehicles with a 20-kilowatt-class LOCUST LWS, radar, and command-and-control systems under the second tranche of the AMP-HEL program.
LOCUST LWS
LOCUST LWS employs a plug-and-play sensor-agnostic architecture compatible with diverse sensor types and RF bands, allowing flexible detection in dynamic threat environments.
Its multi-target infrared search-and-track modes further enhance counter-drone operations by enabling automated detection and rapid switching between targets.
To simplify use in the field, the system features an operator-friendly interface modeled after a gaming controller, reducing training requirements and improving response times under pressure.
Operators also benefit from ultra-high bandwidth tracking, which overlays real-time data on high-definition video feeds to provide precise threat evaluation during complex engagements.
The system is fully compatible with modern command-and-control networks.
Meanwhile, its modular design supports both fixed and mobile platforms.
Prior to delivery, LOCUST was integrated at AV’s Directed Energy manufacturing facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and completed acceptance testing at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona.
