AeroVironment (AV) has proven the multi-domain capabilities of its new LOCUST laser weapon system, demonstrating it aboard the US Navy’s USS George H. W. Bush in a milestone test.
The palletized high-energy system successfully tracked, engaged, and took down multiple drone targets from the aircraft carrier, validating shipborne effectiveness in live conditions.
The feat marks a crucial step toward fielding an operational directed-energy solution, which can support deployment across different domains and platforms.
It also validated LOCUST’s platform-agnostic design, allowing it to transition from fixed-site installations and ground vehicles to high-tempo naval environments such as an aircraft carrier.
“LOCUST delivers effective, all-domain protection against emerging drone threats at the speed of light — on any platform, in any domain, for any mission,” said AV Directed Energy Systems Vice President John Garrity.
‘$5 Per Shot’
During the demo, LOCUST drew power from both its onboard battery system and the ship’s power supply, enabling sustained operations.
Its precision beam control and target tracking also allowed it to engage threats even while the base platform was in motion.
AV positions the laser weapon as a lower-cost alternative to conventional kinetic defense systems, with LOCUST reportedly costing only $5 per shot.
Its open architecture is intended to simplify integration and operation across different military units, reducing the need for specialized training.
“Rolling LOCUST onto a ship and quickly initiating operations facilitates the expanded use of high-energy lasers across the fleet without the need for costly, time-consuming ship modifications,” Garrity stated.
“This is a game-changer for the navy and for our national security.”
