American AeroVironment's LOCUST X3 Laser Weapons Win $405M Middle East Order Against Shahed Drones

AeroVironment announced a $405 million direct commercial sale of LOCUST X3 high-energy laser counter-drone systems to an unidentified Middle Eastern customer on 11 November 2026. The weapon is designed to engage Group 1–3 unmanned aircraft, including Shahed-class one-way attack drones, and can integrate with radar, command-and-control and kinetic air-defence layers. The LOCUST X3 family spans a roughly 20–35-plus-kilowatt power class, while the US Army's E-HEL configuration uses 30 kilowatts. AeroVironment plans an in-country maintenance and sustainment depot, but the buyer, system quantity, selected configuration and delivery dates have not been disclosed.