US Army Commits $400 Million for AeroVironment Counter‑Drone Laser Systems

The United States Army plans to purchase at least $400 million worth of counter‑drone laser systems from AeroVironment Inc., according to a source familiar with the matter. The contract reflects the military’s effort to develop capabilities that can neutralize the growing number of unmanned aerial systems on modern battlefields.

The procurement is part of a broader push by armed forces worldwide to acquire directed‑energy weapons that can engage drones more cost‑effectively than traditional kinetic interceptors.