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[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [TECHNOLOGY]

5 clusters · 54 sources · 39 days · First seen · Last updated

US Army counter-drone procurement and border operations

Overview

In early August 2026, the U.S. Army began expanding its counter-drone arsenal through both kinetic and directed-energy initiatives. On 4 August, the Army issued a request for information for a Next Generation Counter-sUAS Missile (NGCM). The service seeks to procure at least 5,000 missiles, each costing less than $150,000, capable of engaging Group 2 and Group 3 unmanned aerial systems weighing between 21 lb and 1,320 lb. The NGCM is intended to integrate with existing Raytheon Coyote launchers and radar systems such as Patriot, AN/TPQ-53, and Sentinel, with a desired launch reaction time of five seconds.

Simultaneously, the Army has prioritized directed-energy solutions. Following an initial $400 million announcement on 7 August regarding AeroVironment’s Locust laser systems, the Army awarded a $464.8 million contract for the LOCUST X3 high-energy laser system in early September. This contract marks the first production order for directed-energy weapons in U.S. history, transitioning the technology from prototype to large-scale fielding. The 30-kilowatt LOCUST X3 is designed to target Group 1, 2, and 3 drones, offering an estimated cost of under $5 per shot. Unlike electronic jamming, the laser provides a physical means of disabling drones to prevent reuse for surveillance. The modular systems can be integrated into platforms such as the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle and Infantry Squad Vehicles. The system is noted for its ability to combat drone swarms, as it can continue to operate as long as it maintains sufficient electrical power and cooling.

Operational use of these technologies has intensified along the southern border. U.S. Northern Command reported that more than 300 drones linked to transnational criminal organizations have been neutralized since the start of 2026. Between 24 August and 4 September, the U.S. Army utilized its AMP-HEL high-energy laser system to neutralize at least 11 unauthorized drones.

Entities

U.S. Army · AeroVironment · LOCUST X3 · AeroVironment Inc. · US Army

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Coverage disagrees

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Timeline

  1. 11 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    U.S. Army contracts AeroVironment for $465M laser drone defense system

    The U.S. Army has contracted AeroVironment for the LOCUST X3, a 30kW laser system designed to destroy drones at a cost of under $10 per shot.

  2. 17 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 13 sources
    AeroVironment secures $464.8 million U.S. Army laser contract

    The U.S. Army awarded AeroVironment a $464.8 million contract to produce LOCUST X3 high-energy laser systems for counter-drone defense, marking a historic first for U.S. laser weapon production.

  3. 22 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 28 sources
    U.S. military shoots down over 300 drones near Mexico border

    The U.S. military has shot down over 300 drones linked to criminal activity along the Mexican border since early 2026, utilizing new high-energy laser technology like the LOCUST X3 system.

  4. about 2 months ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 7 sources
    U.S. Pentagon Secures $400 Million Laser Deal with AeroVironment

    The U.S. Army will buy AeroVironment’s AI‑driven Locust laser systems for at least $400 million, the Pentagon’s first production contract for a directed‑energy drone‑defence weapon.

  5. about 2 months ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 5 sources
    US Army seeks $150,000 missile to counter small drones

    The U.S. Army is seeking a sub‑$150K NGCM missile to destroy small drones, aiming for 5,000 units with extended range, rapid launch, and Coyote‑launcher compatibility.

Sources

actualidad.rt.com · aktual24.ro · am.com.mx · archynetys.com · aresdifesa.it · armees.com · bigportal.ba · bpost.bg · brasilemfolhas.com.br · breakingdefense.com · business.financialpost.com · closeup.mx · cybermexico.mx · cybernoz.com · defence-industry.eu · eldiariodechihuahua.mx · eltecolote.mx · excelsior.com.mx · financialpost.com · finanzen.ch · geekweek.pl · generation-nt.com · govconwire.com · insidedefense.com · interestingengineering.com · internacional.estadao.com.br · issi.org.pk · lahoguera.mx · lajornadasanluis.com.mx · laopinion.com · laregiontam.com.mx · lettersfromhomeandaway.substack.com · lopezdoriga.com · ltu.dk · mediafax.ro · nemosnewsnetwork.com · newscentral.africa · ordu.az · otravel.com · overtdefense.com · politika.rs · punchng.com · raillynews.com · sdpnoticias.com · sofx.com · stocknews.com · tiempodigital.mx · tradingview.com

This summary has been updated 8 times: see revision history