KORTHOS / ECOSYSTEM / PRODUCT

LOCUST X3

About

About LOCUST X3

LOCUST X3 is a 20-35-plus-kilowatt directed-energy system for defeating Group 1-3 uncrewed aircraft. Sensors detect and track the target, while AV_Halo Pinpoint software controls the beam director and maintains concentrated laser energy on a manoeuvring aircraft.

The modular open architecture supports fixed-site and mobile configurations and future power or sensor upgrades. AI-assisted detection and engagement automation accelerate target prioritisation during high-volume attacks. AeroVironment is developing LOCUST X3 for counter-UAS and point-defence programmes.

01 JUN 2026

Robotics developments — 1–5 June 2026

Capabilities

Source-backed capabilities

  • Workflows: Drone detection handoff, laser engagement, fixed-site defence and counter-UAS mission support.
  • Operating environments: Defence operational environment
  • Target markets: Military, government and infrastructure operators countering drone threats.
  • Deployment model: Defence product and program integration model.
  • Automated target recognition

    Claimed - LOCUST X3 combines a high-energy laser with AI-enabled detection, tracking and engagement automation for counter-UAS missions.

    Source
  • Counter-UAS interception

    Claimed - 2026-03-24 - AV launched LOCUST X3 as the third generation of its high-energy laser weapon system for counter-UAS missions.

    Source

Timeline

  • AeroVironment LOCUST X3 enters Army production under E-HEL award

    2026-09-02 - Contract Award - AeroVironment will deliver dozens of LOCUST X3 systems over the next several years. The system is intended to defeat Group 1-3 uncrewed aircraft within layered air defence. The award moves the Army's high-energy laser programme from prototype development into production.

    Source
  • AV unveils LOCUST X3 third-generation modular directed energy weapon system

    2026-03-24 - Product Launch - AV launched LOCUST X3 as the third generation of its high-energy laser weapon system for counter-UAS missions. The system combines a scalable 20-35+ kilowatt laser, modular beam director, and AI-enabled detection, tracking, and engagement automation through AV_Halo PINPOINT. The launch extends AV's defense stack beyond uncrewed platforms into layered counter-UAS and directed-energy infrastructure.

    Source

Context

Market context

LOCUST X3 is AeroVironment's directed-energy laser system for counter-drone defense and fixed-site protection.

  • Target environment: Defence bases, critical infrastructure, forward operating locations and protected perimeters.
  • Workflow context: Drone detection handoff, laser engagement, fixed-site defence and counter-UAS mission support.
  • Customer context: Military, government and infrastructure operators countering drone threats.
  • Deployment model: Defence product and program integration model.
  • Commercial maturity: Commercial/defence product with public product page and datasheet material.
  • Adoption constraints: Adoption depends on rules of engagement, integration with sensors, power and cooling needs, field reliability and procurement timelines.
  • Market position: Counter-UAS directed-energy platform in AeroVironment's defence portfolio.
  • Adjacent products: DroneArmor, MaXon autonomous counter-UAS system, MARSS Interceptor