The U.S. Army awarded a $464.8 million contract to AeroVironment, Inc., marking the first time the military has moved a directed energy system into full-rate production. The agreement, announced Wednesday and reported by defensenews.com, funds the Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program. This deal represents a shift from prototype testing to manufacturing for the Army’s counter-drone capabilities.
What it means
The contract authorizes AeroVironment to deliver dozens of 30-kilowatt LOCUST laser weapons. These systems are designed to engage unmanned aircraft classified as Defense Department groups one through three. This range covers targets from miniature drones, similar in size to the Air Force’s Wasp III, up to larger platforms like the Army’s RQ-7B Shadow. Unlike traditional missile systems that require physical ammunition resupply, the E-HEL system reloads its magazine through its power supply, allowing for sustained engagement as long as electricity is available.
The LOCUST X3 weapon is platform-agnostic, meaning it can be mounted on various vehicles, including the Army’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). This flexibility addresses feedback from previous directed energy efforts. The earlier DE M-SHORAD program faced criticism because its prototypes were specifically tailored for Stryker combat vehicles, limiting their utility across different units. The new E-HEL program builds upon the Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) prototypes currently in service.
Testing of the LOCUST system took place at White Sands Missile Range. The evaluations were led by Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401) and PAE Fires. These tests demonstrated the system’s ability to conduct counter-drone operations within U.S. airspace. A safety agreement between the Department of War and the Federal Aviation Administration validated the system for domestic use, removing a key regulatory barrier for deploying laser weapons on home soil.
General Christopher LaNeve, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, emphasized the strategic value of the acquisition. He stated that the program will enable formations to defeat unmanned systems and dominate from the outset. This move aligns with broader Department of War efforts to accelerate production of advanced defense technologies, similar to recent contract awards for Tomahawk missile production and framework agreements for missile interceptors.
Key facts
- Contract value: $464.8 million
- Recipient: AeroVironment, Inc.
- Program name: Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL)
- Weapon system: 30 kW LOCUST laser weapon
- Target classification: Defense Department groups one through three
- Vehicle compatibility: Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) and others
- Testing location: White Sands Missile Range
- Contract type: Other Transaction Agreement
Source: defensenews.com, reporting a U.S. Army contract announcement