U.S. Army brings high-energy laser weapon into production, adding low-cost firepower against drone threats for combat units

The United States Army is moving its first high-energy laser counter-drone weapon into production under the Enduring High Energy Laser program. AeroVironment received a $464.8 million contract for LOCUST systems intended for mobile and fixed-site protection, including vehicle integration. Electrically powered lasers offer a deep rechargeable magazine and a low cost per shot against small drones, complementing missiles and guns. The production decision shifts the capability beyond limited prototypes at operational scale, although performance still depends on weather, line of sight, power generation and sustained battlefield maintenance.