The JLTV-based systems follow the delivery of two LOCUST Laser Weapon Systems integrated on the Infantry Squad Vehicle platform announced in September. According to the company, the JLTV configuration uses the same 20kW-class system but includes a larger aperture beam director to improve lethality performance.
“AV continues to deliver proven, efficient, modular laser weapon systems that perform and protect in real-world threat environments,” said Mary Clum, President, Space, Cyber & Directed Energy at AeroVironment. She added, “Integrated as part of these AMP-HEL systems, LOCUST is a cost-effective, rugged, precise, and scalable solution that is addressing the ever-evolving UAS threats our warfighters are facing on frontlines today.”
AeroVironment said its first LOCUST Laser Weapon System was delivered to the Army in 2022 under the Palletized-High Energy Laser programme and has since seen more than three years of operational deployment outside the United States. During these deployments, the systems demonstrated high operational availability and performed their designed mission against unmanned aircraft threats in real-world combat.
“Directed energy is no longer a future concept—it is a proven force-protection capability,” said John Garrity, Vice President of AeroVironment’s Directed Energy business unit. He said that LOCUST-equipped systems have protected warfighters, allies and critical infrastructure, providing “an easy-to-use, reliable, trusted, and proven solution against the very real and evolving threats of modern warfare.”
The company said its directed-energy systems are designed to be platform-agnostic and rapidly deployable, integrating with Army command-and-control architectures. According to AeroVironment, the systems have been integrated on fixed-site base defence installations and multiple vehicle platforms, including the ISV, JLTV and Light Medium Tactical Vehicle.
