AV LOCUST Laser Completes Counter-Drone Test
Aerovironment’s (AV) LOCUST laser weapon has executed a “first-of-its-kind” counter-drone test with the Pentagon and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The company revealed this month that the test took place at White Sands Missile Range in early March. It was led by the Joint Interagency Task Force 401, the Pentagon’s specialized unit for advancing solutions to counter small uncrewed aerial threats and coordinating efforts across different agencies.
During the trial, the LOCUST demonstrated automated safety shut-off capabilities, engaging only validated targets. It also showed its ability to zap both fixed and airborne targets.
Controlled evaluation scenarios confirmed no adverse impact on civilian aircraft while demonstrating the LOCUST’s precise engagement capabilities and operational realism, highlighting the directed energy weapon’s role in addressing drone incursions across US airspace.
“This is a defining moment for directed energy and for the future of homeland defense,” said John Garrity, AV VP for Directed Energy Systems, as the LOCUST’s performance validated its ability to “operate safely and effectively in the most complex airspace environment in the world.”
Meanwhile, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford noted that the agency followed a thorough, data-informed Safety Risk Assessment, which determined that “these systems do not present an increased risk to the flying public.”
“We will continue working with our interagency partners to ensure the National Airspace System remains safe while addressing emerging drone threats,” he added.
LOCUST Laser
The LOCUST laser weapon has proven its counter-drone capabilities in several demonstrations with the US military.
Last month, AV announced that the LOCUST was aboard the US Navy’s USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier, where it neutralized target drones in a live-fire test held in October 2025.
Before its integration on a naval vessel, the platform-agnostic system was fitted on fixed sites and ground vehicles, including the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle and Infantry Squad Vehicle.
The LOCUST is also part of AV’s Halo_Shield, the company’s latest layered counter-drone system built on a modular and tile-based architecture.
