The U.S. Army has begun testing an upgraded version of a vehicle-mounted laser weapon designed to combat the growing danger posed by hostile drones on modern battlefields. The system, known as the second-generation LOCUST Laser Weapon System, has been developed by defense contractor AeroVironment and reflects a broader shift toward directed-energy solutions for air defense.
As unmanned aerial systems become cheaper, more accessible, and more lethal, military forces worldwide are struggling to keep pace. Small drones can now conduct surveillance, guide artillery, or carry explosives, often overwhelming traditional air defense systems through sheer numbers. In response, the U.S. Army is exploring alternatives that can neutralize airborne threats quickly, repeatedly, and at a lower cost per engagement.
The updated LOCUST system is intended to provide mobile, short-range protection for troops and critical assets across a wide range of environments. AeroVironment has indicated that the design builds upon earlier versions that have already been used operationally outside the United States for several years, allowing engineers to refine the system using lessons learned from real-world deployments.
Making Laser Weapons More Mobile and Practical
For decades, laser weapons were viewed as impractical for battlefield use due to their size, weight, and power requirements. Early systems were often fixed installations, limiting their usefulness in dynamic combat scenarios where threats can emerge quickly and from multiple directions.
AeroVironment’s approach with LOCUST focuses on overcoming these challenges by emphasizing mobility and adaptability. By mounting the laser system on tactical vehicles, the Army aims to bring directed-energy capabilities closer to frontline units without sacrificing speed or flexibility.
Earlier in 2025, the company worked with the U.S. Army to integrate a mobile counter-drone laser onto the Infantry Squad Vehicle produced by General Motors Defense. That effort demonstrated that compact laser weapons could operate effectively on lightweight platforms designed for rapid maneuvering.
Later, AeroVironment expanded this concept by integrating LOCUST onto the Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicle. The JLTV, which is replacing the Humvee across much of the U.S. military, offers greater protection, payload capacity, and off-road performance. These characteristics make it well suited to carry advanced systems while remaining deployable in challenging terrain.
Core Capabilities of the LOCUST System
Although AeroVironment has not released detailed technical specifications, publicly available information outlines the system’s general capabilities. LOCUST is classified as a 20-kilowatt-class laser weapon, placing it in a category suitable for defeating small to medium-sized aerial threats rather than long-range missile interception.
The latest version features an improved beam director with a larger aperture, a design change intended to enhance lethality. By focusing energy more efficiently onto a target, the system can disable drones by damaging critical components such as sensors, control surfaces, or propulsion systems.
This type of engagement is particularly valuable in counter-drone operations, where targets are often small, fast-moving, and difficult to intercept with conventional munitions. Unlike missiles, laser weapons can engage multiple targets without reloading, as long as sufficient power is available.
Blending Automation With Human Control
One of the defining aspects of the LOCUST system is its flexible targeting architecture. It can operate in both automated and manually guided modes, giving commanders options depending on the mission and rules of engagement.
In automated mode, the system uses infrared search and tracking, advanced electro-optical sensors, and a stabilized gimbal to detect and follow multiple airborne targets simultaneously. An open system architecture allows LOCUST to integrate with a wide range of sensors, making it adaptable to different operational setups.
When human control is required, operators can manually guide the system using a simplified controller interface. This design choice reflects a broader trend within modern military technology, where intuitive controls help reduce training time and operator fatigue.
To support manual engagement, the system includes multiple targeting aids, such as precision tracking tools, optical magnification, rangefinding equipment, and acquisition systems. These features allow operators to maintain accuracy even when engaging fast or unpredictable targets.
Combat Lessons Drive System Evolution
The Army’s interest in LOCUST comes at a time when directed-energy weapons are gaining credibility worldwide. Other nations, including Israel, have announced operational deployments of high-powered laser systems for air defense, highlighting the growing maturity of the technology.
AeroVironment has emphasized that earlier versions of LOCUST have already been used to protect personnel, infrastructure, and allied forces during real-world operations. This operational history has reportedly shaped improvements in reliability, tracking performance, and overall system effectiveness.
By incorporating feedback from actual deployments rather than relying solely on laboratory testing, the company aims to deliver a system that performs consistently under combat conditions.
