Army Awards First Major Directed Energy Production Contract for LOCUST Laser Systems
The U.S. Army has officially transitioned directed energy from the lab to the field with a $464.8 million contract for AeroVironment's LOCUST X3 laser weapon system.
From Prototype to Production
The era of experimental directed energy has officially ended. On September 2, 2026, the U.S. Army awarded a $464.8 million contract to AeroVironment for the production of its LOCUST X3 high-energy laser system. This landmark deal represents the first-ever full-scale production contract for a directed energy weapon in U.S. history, signaling a definitive shift in how the military intends to handle the proliferation of low-cost drone threats. While previous efforts focused on testing, this procurement ensures that dozens of these 30-kilowatt systems will be fielded to maneuver units in the coming years.
The Shift to Non-Kinetic Defense
The military's reliance on expensive interceptor missiles to down cheap, mass-produced drones has become a strategic liability. By integrating counter-drone HPM systems and high-energy lasers, the Army is effectively lowering the cost-per-engagement to the price of electricity. The LOCUST X3 is designed to be platform-agnostic, currently slated for integration onto Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, with future configurations for Infantry Squad Vehicles already in development. This mobility is critical for modern threat assessment and rapid response in contested environments.
Beyond Lasers: The Role of HPM
While the LOCUST laser provides a precise 'hard-kill' capability, the broader electromagnetic spectrum warfare landscape requires a multi-layered approach. At Silent Pulse Labs, we recognize that lasers are only one piece of the puzzle. Our Discombobulator HPM weapon complements these laser systems by providing a wide-area, non-kinetic effect. While the LOCUST laser targets individual airframes with surgical precision, the Discombobulator excels in neutralizing entire swarms by flooding the target area with high-power microwaves, effectively frying the electronics of any drone within its engagement cone.
Operational Versatility
The utility of these systems extends well beyond simple defense. In offensive operations, drone-mounted electronic warfare platforms can be used for SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) and DEAD (Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses) missions. By utilizing the Discombobulator to disrupt adversary command and control nodes, commanders can create 'blind spots' in enemy sensor networks, allowing friendly forces to maneuver with impunity. This transition to directed energy is not just about shooting down drones; it is about gaining total dominance over the electromagnetic spectrum.
Looking Ahead
As the Army begins fielding these systems, the focus will shift toward integration and power management. The success of the E-HEL program will likely dictate the pace of future procurement for other directed energy technologies. If you are interested in learning more about how our HPM solutions integrate with current military architectures, please contact Silent Pulse Labs to discuss our latest developments.