AV's Laser-Based C-UAS Platform Designed to Counter Small to Medium-Sized Drones

AeroVironment (AV) has unveiled the LOCUST X3, a laser-based counter-drone system designed to take out small- to medium-sized drones. The system uses a 20-30 kw laser and AI-enabled detection, tracking, and engagement automation. AV is competing in the Army’s Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) and Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) prototype programs. The company’s senior director of business development, Aaron Westman, said the system was informed by real-world demands and is designed to combat drones up to Group 3 and targets such as Iran’s Shahed and Russia’s Geran drones. AV is hoping to have complete X3s under testing within the next few months. This development was first reported by Breaking Defense.