AeroVironment LOCUST X3

History

The AeroVironment LOCUST X3 is a 30 kW high-energy laser weapon developed for the U.S. Army's Enduring High Energy Laser program. It is intended primarily to destroy Group 3 unmanned aerial systems while also engaging smaller Group 1 and Group 2 drones.

LOCUST X3 represents a further development of AeroVironment's LOCUST Laser Weapon System. Earlier LOCUST versions had already been fielded, while the X3 was developed specifically for the Army's E-HEL requirement and was formally unveiled in March 2026, according to Defence Blog.

In 2026, the U.S. Army selected LOCUST X3 for a major procurement effort intended to move high-energy laser counter-drone technology toward an enduring fielded capability.

Army procurement

The Army awarded AeroVironment a $464.8 million contract for LOCUST X3 under the Enduring High Energy Laser program. Defence Blog reported that the five-year agreement covers 26 systems. Task & Purpose described the planned deliveries as dozens of systems over the following several years.

The system was developed around the growing requirement to defeat inexpensive weaponized unmanned aircraft without relying exclusively on conventional missile interceptors. AeroVironment representatives described Group 3 drones as the primary target set for LOCUST X3 and cited the Shahed-136 one-way attack drone as an example of this class of threat.

The Army's fiscal year 2027 budget request called for procurement of two E-HEL systems, while planning documents cited by Defence Blog described additional units over the following years. An Army spokesperson previously told Task & Purpose that, if approved and fielded as planned, the laser would become the service's first directed-energy program of record.

Design

LOCUST X3 is a vehicle-mounted directed-energy weapon that uses a 30 kW laser to physically damage and destroy unmanned aircraft. Unlike a missile interceptor, the laser directs energy toward the target without launching a projectile.

AeroVironment states that the system is intended to engage Group 3 unmanned aerial systems and can also be used against smaller Group 1 and Group 2 drones. Company representatives said engagement time can be measured in single-digit seconds or less, depending on range and the material being attacked. This short engagement cycle is intended to allow the weapon to shift rapidly between multiple targets.

The system is designed for installation on Army vehicles, including the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle. AeroVironment and the Army were also examining whether LOCUST X3 could be mounted on the Infantry Squad Vehicle.

LOCUST systems use a controller based on the Xbox game controller format. AeroVironment presented this arrangement as a familiar control interface for military personnel. The available sources do not provide detailed information about the X3 laser's beam director, sensors, electrical power source, cooling system, vehicle integration hardware, or engagement range.

Program status

As of September 2026, LOCUST X3 had been selected by the U.S. Army for the Enduring High Energy Laser program under a $464.8 million agreement. Defence Blog reported a planned quantity of 26 systems over five years.

Earlier LOCUST laser systems had already been fielded, including systems deployed within the continental United States. These earlier systems should not be confused with the LOCUST X3 configuration covered by the 2026 E-HEL procurement.

AeroVironment has indicated that higher-power versions of the LOCUST family may be fielded later. The available sources do not identify a designation, power rating, schedule, or procurement commitment for those future versions.

Specifications (LOCUST X3)

General characteristics

• Type: vehicle-mounted high-energy laser counter-UAS weapon
• Laser power: 30 kW
• Primary target class: Group 3 unmanned aerial systems
• Additional target classes: Group 1 and Group 2 unmanned aerial systems
• Vehicle integration: designed for installation on vehicles including the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle; Infantry Squad Vehicle integration was under evaluation
• Control interface: Xbox-style controller used across the LOCUST laser family

Engagement

• Effect: hard-kill laser engagement against unmanned aircraft
• Engagement time: company representatives stated that some targets can be defeated in single-digit seconds or less, depending on range and target material
• Multi-target role: intended to transition rapidly between targets and contribute to defense against high volumes of drones

Procurement

• U.S. Army contract value: $464.8 million
• Reported quantity: 26 systems
• Reported agreement duration: five years