U.S. Pentagon Secures $400 Million Laser Deal with AeroVironment

The U.S. Army is set to acquire dozens of AeroVironment’s Locust laser systems in a contract valued at a minimum of $400 million. The directed‑energy weapons use artificial intelligence to detect, track and neutralise small‑ and medium‑size drones, offering a cheaper alternative to traditional interceptor missiles. This agreement marks the Pentagon’s first production order for a laser‑based drone‑defence system, moving the technology from prototype to operational use.

The purchase reflects a shift in U.S. defence strategy after extensive drone use in the wars in Ukraine and Iran, which strained existing missile‑interceptor stocks. The Locust system is designed to engage large numbers of drones quickly, with operators controlling the laser via a console that resembles a video‑game controller.