ARLINGTON, Va. -- AeroVironment has received a $464.8 million U.S. Army contract to produce directed-energy laser weapon systems under the Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program.
The Other Transaction Agreement, awarded by the Army Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Fires program office, calls for AeroVironment to deliver dozens of LOCUST X3 laser weapon systems over the next several years. The systems are intended to provide a directed-energy countermeasure against Group 1 through Group 3 unmanned aircraft systems.
The 30-kilowatt LOCUST X3 is designed for integration with multiple platforms. Initial configurations will include the Army's Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, with palletized variants also planned. AeroVironment is evaluating potential integration with the Infantry Squad Vehicle. The company will also provide system support and training as part of the contract.
The E-HEL program builds on Army testing and field use of AeroVironment's Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser prototypes. LOCUST X3 previously underwent testing at White Sands Missile Range involving Joint Interagency Task Force 401 and the Army's Fires acquisition organization. The testing demonstrated the system's ability to conduct counter-drone operations in a controlled U.S. airspace environment.
AeroVironment is expected to expand production capacity to support the E-HEL award. The company announced a $30 million investment in its Albuquerque, New Mexico, facility in March 2026 as part of an expansion of its defense manufacturing operations.
The award represents a significant step in the Army's effort to move high-energy laser weapons from developmental and prototype programs into sustained procurement. For AeroVironment, the contract also establishes a sizable production program for its directed-energy portfolio and could provide a foundation for additional laser weapon deployments as the Army expands layered defenses against increasingly prevalent unmanned aircraft threats.
