The US Army’s Laser Weapon Acquisition: A Game Changer
The US Army has made a significant move in the world of defense technology by securing a $464.8 million contract from AeroVironment for the production of directed energy weapons. This marks the first production order of its kind in American history.
AeroVironment’s LOCUST X3 system, a 30-kilowatt laser, will be integrated into Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, with palletized versions as an option. The contract covers the delivery of dozens of these systems over the coming years, targeting small to medium-sized drones, as per the Army’s specifications.
A Week of Laser Action
Just a week prior to this contract announcement, the same laser technology was successfully tested near the Mexican border. On August 25th and into the following morning, a US Northern Command task force employed this system to bring down three drones that posed a threat to military personnel and law enforcement.
The Technology Behind the Success
The lasers used at the border ran at 20 kilowatts, derived from the Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (MPHEL) program. The LOCUST X3, now entering production, is a more advanced 30-kilowatt system. While related, these are distinct weapons, with the newer versions featuring integrated radar and command systems.
The laser technology functions by focusing a beam on a moving target, heating it until it fails. The effectiveness of such a weapon depends on various factors, including range and target speed.