Locust Laser Weapon System
Laser weapon
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The LOCUST Laser Weapon System (LWS) or Modular Laser Directed Energy Weapon System, is a directed-energy weapon developed by AeroVironment to serve as a counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) which utilizes artificial intelligence to intercept UAVs.[1] On December 18, 2025, AeroVironment had delivered the first two Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV)-mounted LOCUST Laser Weapon Systems (LWS) to the U.S. Army for the Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) prototyping effort to create directed energy lasers that can counter drones.[2]
| Locust Laser Weapon System | |
|---|---|
The Locust Laser Weapon System tested on George H.W. Bush | |
| Type | Laser weapon |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2025–present |
| Used by | United States Army United States Marine Corps |
| Production history | |
| Designer | AeroVironment |
| Designed | 2023–2025 |
| Manufacturer | AeroVironment |
Purpose
The LWS uses a MOSA-based modular configuration to be able to be modified to suite specific mission needs. It uses 20-35+ kW range, with the ability to scale.[3]
Designed for the U.S. Army's JLTV, and M1301 infantry squad vehicle (ISV) and other defensive needs.[2] LWS offers a hard-kill option for incoming drone threats.[1]
History
AeroVironment had been given a contract by the U.S. Navy's Naval Surface Warfare Center during 2023 to create a prototype for a directed energy weapon for the U.S. Marine Corps' JLTV, this would turn into the LWS.[4]
The LWS had been tested on board the USS George H. W. Bush as part of a live-fire test. During the live-fire, the LWS had successfully managed to detect, engaged, and destroyed multiple unmanned aerial vehicles.[5]