• AeroVironment wins $464.8M Army contract for LOCUST laser system.
• First-ever production contract for directed energy systems in US history.
• LOCUST X3 to be integrated with various Army platforms.
• Contract represents a historic transition to production for laser weapon systems.

This award may indicate a significant shift in the US Army's approach to counter-UAS capabilities, suggesting a growing reliance on directed energy systems. The contract could signal a new era of production and deployment for laser weapon systems, which may have implications for the broader defense industry and the development of future battlefield technologies.