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AeroVironment Wins $500M Laser Contracts

September 11, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

AeroVironment secures $464.8 million US Army contract.
Foreign customer orders $50 million in LOCUST systems.
LOCUST is a laser weapon system for counter-drone capabilities.
Contract marks first production order for high-energy laser systems.

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Strategic Implications

This award may signal the US Army's increasing interest in directed energy solutions for air defense, which could indicate a shift towards more advanced and cost-effective counter-drone technologies. The international purchase order suggests growing global recognition of the importance of high-energy laser systems, which may lead to further adoption and development of these capabilities.

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What Happened

US Army And Foreign Customer Invest In Directed Energy Capabilities

AeroVironment has been awarded a $464.8 million contract by the US Army for the Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program, and has also received a $50 million international purchase order for its LOCUST Laser Weapon System. The LOCUST system is designed to counter drone threats, and this contract marks a significant milestone in the global adoption of directed energy counter-drone capabilities. According to AeroVironment, the award represents the first-ever production contract for high energy laser weapon systems in US history, as reported by Unknown Source.

Source | Originally Published: September 11, 2026

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