US Army Awards $464.8M Contract for Laser Weapons

The U.S. Army has awarded defense contractor AV a $464.8 million contract for the production of high-energy laser weapons, marking a significant milestone for directed energy systems. This contract, under the Enduring High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program, represents the U.S. military's first formal program of record for directed energy weapons, signaling a transition from decades of research and development to fielded capabilities. The agreement will see AV equip the Army with 26 30-kilowatt LOCUST X3 laser weapons over the next five years. This initiative is specifically designed to counter the growing threat posed by low-cost weaponized drones. The LOCUST X3, formally unveiled in March, is an advanced iteration of AV's established LOCUST Laser Weapon System, which has previously been employed by American service members for counter-drone missions in various operational theaters, including the Middle East and along the U.S. southern border. The landmark contract follows previous indications of the Army's commitment to the E-HEL effort. In January, a draft request for proposals (RFP) from the service's Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Fires (PAE Fires) indicated plans for the procurement of two E-HEL systems at $17.4 million each, with subsequent plans to produce and rapidly field up to 24 additional units within the following five-and-a-half years. This aligns with the Army's fiscal year 2027 budget request, which also called for E-HEL system procurement. AV chairman and CEO Wahid Nawabi stated that this award is a defining moment for the company and the future of modern defense, emphasizing the transition of directed energy from experimentation to an enduring, fielded capability. He highlighted years of collaboration, innovation, and operational success with the U.S. Army, expressing pride in delivering production systems that offer scalable, modular, and cost-effective defense solutions to support the Army's mission. The E-HEL program aims to provide a robust counter-drone capability, addressing a critical need in contemporary warfare. The development and fielding of these laser weapons are expected to enhance the Army's ability to neutralize aerial threats efficiently and economically, particularly against swarms of inexpensive drones. The contract's duration of five years for the delivery of 26 systems suggests a phased deployment and integration into existing Army operations. The LOCUST X3's 30-kilowatt power output is designed to be effective against a range of drone threats, while the modular nature of the system allows for potential upgrades and adaptation to evolving threats. The program's designation as a "program of record" signifies its official integration into the Army's long-term acquisition plans and budget, ensuring sustained development and procurement. This move by the U.S. Army underscores a broader trend in military modernization, with nations worldwide investing in directed energy weapons for their speed-of-light engagement capabilities and potential for lower per-shot costs compared to traditional munitions. The successful transition of laser weapon technology from concept to operational deployment is a testament to sustained investment and technological advancement in the defense sector.