The US Army has received two more LOCUST high-energy laser weapon systems from AeroVironment as part of the Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) program. The effort is aimed at developing mobile, vehicle-mounted directed-energy weapons to counter the growing threat posed by small unmanned aerial systems on the battlefield.
AMP-HEL was awarded in 2023 to BlueHalo, an AeroVironment subsidiary, to prototype laser-based counter-UAS solutions for ground forces. The latest LOCUST systems are installed on Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicles and deliver a 20-kilowatt laser output, coupled with an upgraded beam director to improve engagement effectiveness.
These deliveries build on the Army’s initial acceptance of two LOCUST laser weapons last year, which were mounted on GM Defense Infantry Squad Vehicles. Although those systems featured a smaller aperture director, they demonstrated the same power level and operational concept now being expanded under the program.
The LOCUST platform combines multi-band radio frequency sensing with high-powered optical lasers to detect, track, and defeat aerial drones. Offering full 360-degree situational awareness and optional camera integration, the system can engage targets mid-air, burning through airframes to disable enemy reconnaissance and attack drones before they reach friendly forces.
