US Army Awards $465M Contract to Launch First Laser Weapon Production

The U.S. Army has officially awarded a $464.8 million production contract to AeroVironment, Inc. for the Enduring-High Energy Laser program, marking the first production contract for a directed energy system in the history of the U.S. military, according to a corporate release issued on Wednesday.

Rather than relying on traditional missiles to intercept and eliminate unmanned aircraft, the newly funded Enduring-High Energy Laser system utilizes a directed laser beam to neutralize aerial targets. The tactical setup is engineered to sustain operations by reloading its magazine directly through its onboard power supply, offering a streamlined logistical footprint for modern ground forces.

Vice Chief of Staff of the Army General Christopher LaNeve emphasized the strategic importance of the milestone in an official statement, noting that the initiative will empower military formations to defeat unmanned systems and establish immediate dominance in contested environments by merging human ingenuity with advanced technology.

Program Details and Capabilities

Under the terms of the Other Transaction Agreement, AeroVironment is slated to deliver dozens of 30 kW LOCUST laser weapons. These systems are specifically designed to dismantle smaller drones categorized by the Department of Defense within groups one through three. This classification spans from miniature unmanned aerial vehicles comparable to the Air Force’s Wasp III up to larger platforms like the Army’s RQ-7B Shadow.

Photo: army.mil

The production milestone arrives as a welcome development for the service’s broader directed energy initiatives, addressing prior challenges and soldier feedback regarding the performance of the Directed Energy Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense prototypes deployed in the Middle East. While those earlier iterations were tailored for Stryker combat vehicles, the LOCUST X3 weapon features a platform-agnostic design capable of integration onto platforms such as the Army’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle.

Rigorous Testing and Domestic Validation

The transition into full production follows successful trials conducted at the White Sands Missile Range. Those tests were overseen by Joint Interagency Task Force 401 and PAE Fires, demonstrating safe and effective counter-drone operations within domestic airspace. The successful demonstrations directly paved the way for a safety agreement between the DOW and the Federal Aviation Administration validating the system for operational use at home.

Photo: defensenews.com

The E-HEL initiative builds directly upon the operational groundwork laid by previous Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser prototypes currently utilized by soldiers in the field. By moving past the experimental research phase into concrete procurement, the military aims to cement directed energy as a permanent fixture of its tactical inventory.

As manufacturing ramps up under the $464.8 million award, upcoming program milestones will focus on component delivery schedules and integration timelines across the designated vehicle fleets. Feel free to share your thoughts or join the conversation in the comments below.