The US Army has awarded AeroVironment a roughly $465 million contract to produce the LOCUST X3, a 30‑kilowatt vehicle‑mounted laser designed to defeat "Group 3" drones. The system can be aimed with an Xbox‑style controller to reduce training time and leverage familiar controls for younger operators. Company leaders describe the award as the first US production contract for a high‑energy laser and position LOCUST X3 as part of a layered defense to conserve interceptor missiles and counter high‑volume drone threats.
US Army Awards ~$465M Contract for LOCUST X3 Laser — Operators Can Aim It With an Xbox‑Style Controller
Credit: Rosoboronexport
The US Army has awarded AeroVironment, Inc. a contract worth approximately $465 million to produce the LOCUST X3, a 30‑kilowatt directed‑energy weapon designed to be mounted on military vehicles to defeat hostile unmanned aerial systems.
The LOCUST X3 is built to counter mid‑sized attack drones and is described by the company as a "Group 3 killer." AeroVironment emphasizes ease of use: operators — whether soldiers, sailors, airmen or Space Force guardians — can aim the system using an Xbox‑style controller, a design choice intended to shorten training time and leverage familiar controls.
How the System Fits Into Modern Air Defense
The LOCUST X3 is intended as one component of a layered defense against Group 1–3 unmanned aerial threats. Company officials say the laser offers longer engagement range than many comparable countermeasures and can help conserve kinetic interceptors for higher‑value targets.
What "Group 3" Means
According to the designation cited by AeroVironment, Group 3 unmanned aircraft are mid‑size systems — roughly in the 1,350‑pound class with payloads in the neighborhood of 125 pounds and operational ranges up to about 8 miles. These types of drones, including Shahed‑style loitering munitions seen in recent conflicts, have become a common battlefield threat.
Wahid Nawabi, AeroVironment Chairman, President and CEO: "The transition of directed energy from experimentation to an enduring, fielded capability reflects years of collaboration, innovation, and operational success alongside the U.S. Army."
Aaron Westman, Senior Director for Business Development: "It can really kill a lot of threats. Its job is to, let's say, thin the herd to be able to kill high volumes of threats."
John Garrity, Vice President of Directed Energy Systems: "To a young soldier, sailor, airman, guardian that's using these systems, it's not unlike what they're using at their own house for video games."
Why This Matters
This award marks the first US production contract for a high‑energy laser after years of development and testing, according to company and defence sources. With conventional interceptors reportedly strained after recent confrontations, directed‑energy systems like the LOCUST X3 are being viewed as a practical, cost‑effective option to address high volumes of incoming drones and preserve limited kinetic missiles.
The LOCUST X3's vehicle integration, extended engagement range, and operator‑friendly controls are intended to give frontline units greater flexibility and sustainment when countering Group 3 threats in contested environments.
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