AeroVironment LOCUST X3 enters Army production under E-HEL award
The U.S. Army awarded AeroVironment a $464.8 million production OTA for LOCUST X3 counter-UAS laser systems under the E-HEL programme.
Evidence notes
- 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.
Company context
AeroVironment, branded AV, is a U.S. defence technology company spanning autonomous systems, loitering munitions, counter-UAS, directed energy, space, cyber and electronic warfare.