AeroVironment (AV) secured a $464.8 million contract from the U.S. Army for its Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program. This award marks the first production contract for a directed energy system in U.S. history. The agreement transitions laser technology from experimental prototyping to active military fielding.
AeroVironment will deliver dozens of LOCUST X3 laser weapon systems over the next several years. These 30-kilowatt systems detect and defeat small to medium-sized unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Each laser shot costs less than $5 to fire.
This technology provides the Army with a scalable defense layer against growing aerial threats. The systems offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional missile-based drone defenses.