Laser weapons go cellular because the US Military takes supply of two 20-kW, anti-drone Joint Mild Tactical Automobile (JLTV)-mounted Laser-Oriented Counter-UAS System (LOCUST) Laser Weapon Methods (LWS) from AeroVironment.
Laser weapons appear to be popping up in every single place nowadays however, regardless of their growing effectiveness, they share one downside in frequent. The high-powered techniques are typically slightly cumbersome and heavy and look extra like a delivery container than one thing out of Star Wars.
That is altering as smaller, extra highly effective, extra rugged lasers transfer from the laboratory to the sphere. A big milestone on this pattern is the LOCUST laser, the second increment of which has been delivered to the US Military and displays the army’s shift from fixed-site directed vitality weapons to cellular, maneuverable platforms that may defend frontline belongings in opposition to drones and related threats.
Starting life because the Palletized-Excessive Power Laser (P-HEL) and evolving into the LOCUST, additionally known as the AMP-HEL, the system’s first increment was put in in a Normal Motors Protection Infantry Squad Automobile (ISV) in September 2025. Increment 2 shares the identical energy output as Increment 1, however is extra sensible because of greater safety, onboard energy help, lighter weight, and an upgraded beam aperture with improved focus, beam high quality, and lethality over longer distances. Precisely how lengthy is assessed, although it is not less than a number of kilometers.
It may well energy up in solely quarter-hour and has a modular, open structure for ease of upkeep. Nonetheless, one main enchancment is the Goal Acquisition and Monitoring System (TATS) gimbal that may flip 360° at a price of 100° per second. It is claimed to be extremely secure and the entire system will be operated by a single particular person utilizing a regular Xbox gaming controller.
“Directed vitality is now not a future idea – it’s a confirmed force-protection functionality,” stated John Garrity, Vice President ofAeroVironment’s Directed Power enterprise unit. “Since deployed, LOCUST-equipped P-HEL techniques have actively protected warfighters, allies, and demanding infrastructure in opposition to aerial threats. With LOCUST’s goal acquisition, monitoring and precision beam management, warfighters have an easy-to-use, dependable, trusted, and confirmed answer in opposition to the very actual and evolving threats of contemporary warfare.”
Supply: AeroVironment
