The U.S. Army has recently embarked on trials for an upgraded vehicle-mounted laser weapon system known as the second-generation LOCUST Laser Weapon System, developed by AeroVironment. This advancement emerges in response to the escalating threat posed by unmanned aerial systems (UAS), revealing a significant shift in military strategies toward directed-energy solutions for air defense. With the proliferation of affordable and lethal drones, traditional military air defenses face an urgent need for evolution.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are now capable of conducting surveillance, relaying artillery guidance, or even carrying explosives, often operating in overwhelming numbers that can easily surpass conventional defense systems. As these threats grow more numerous and sophisticated, the U.S. Army is actively exploring innovative alternatives to neutralize airborne dangers swiftly and economically while minimizing the costs associated with each engagement.
The LOCUST system is designed to provide short-range, mobile protection for troops and critical military assets across a variety of environments. Building upon earlier versions that have seen deployment outside the United States over the past few years, the updated LOCUST reflects valuable lessons gleaned from real-world experiences, allowing engineers to refine the technology effectively.
Making Laser Weapons More Mobile and Practical
For decades, laser weapons were deemed impractical for battlefield deployment due to their considerable size, weight, and power demands. Early iterations were often limited to fixed installations, which restricted their effectiveness in dynamic combat situations where threats might emerge rapidly from different angles.
AeroVironment’s LOCUST aims to change this narrative by prioritizing mobility and flexibility. By mounting the laser system on tactical vehicles, the Army seeks to bring directed-energy capabilities closer to frontline units without compromising operational speed or adaptability. Earlier efforts, such as integrating a mobile counter-drone laser onto the Infantry Squad Vehicle produced by General Motors Defense in early 2025, showcased the viability of lightweight laser systems on platforms designed for agility.
The evolution continued as AeroVironment adapted LOCUST to the Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), which is set to replace the Humvee in many segments of the U.S. military. The JLTV’s enhanced protection levels, increased payload capacity, and superior off-road capabilities make it an ideal platform for carrying advanced systems like LOCUST, ensuring they remain operational even in challenging environments.
Core Capabilities of the LOCUST System
While detailed technical specifications have not been disclosed, public information provides insight into the core capabilities of LOCUST. This system is classified as a 20-kilowatt-class laser weapon, making it suitable for intercepting small to medium-sized aerial threats, though not aggressive enough for long-range missile defense.
The latest version boasts an improved beam director featuring a larger aperture, designed to enhance lethality by concentrating energy more efficiently on targets. This capability allows the system to disable drones by damaging essential components like sensors, control surfaces, or propulsion systems. Given that counter-drone operations often involve fast-moving, small targets, the effectiveness of laser weapons becomes increasingly relevant. Unlike traditional munitions, lasers can engage multiple threats without needing to reload, as long as sufficient power is available.
Blending Automation With Human Control
A standout feature of the LOCUST system is its flexible targeting architecture, which enables operation in either automated or manual modes. This versatility allows commanders to adapt to varying mission parameters and rules of engagement.
In automated mode, the system employs infrared search and tracking alongside advanced electro-optical sensors and a stabilized gimbal to detect and engage multiple airborne targets at once. Its open architecture facilitates integration with a wide array of sensors, making the LOCUST adaptable across different operational settings.
Should human control be necessary, operators can easily switch to manual guidance using an intuitive controller interface. This design philosophy reflects a broader trend in modern military technology where user-friendly controls help lessen training times and reduce operator fatigue. The system also incorporates several targeting aids—such as precision tracking tools, optical magnification, rangefinding equipment, and various acquisition systems—ensuring operators can maintain accuracy even when confronting agile or unpredictable threats.
Combat Lessons Drive System Evolution
The Army’s interest in LOCUST coincides with a global rise in the credibility and deployment of directed-energy weapons. Various nations, notably Israel, have introduced operational high-powered laser systems for air defense, underscoring the technological advancements in this field.
AeroVironment has emphasized that earlier versions of LOCUST have been successfully employed to safeguard personnel, infrastructure, and allied forces in real-world situations. This operational track record has served as a vital feedback mechanism, informing enhancements related to reliability, tracking performance, and overall system effectiveness.
By utilizing insights gained from actual combat scenarios rather than relying solely on theoretical laboratory tests, AeroVironment seeks to deliver a weapon system that consistently performs under the rigors of real-world conditions.