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ConflictUS Army awards $465M contract for first production of high-energy laser weapons
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The U.S. Army has awarded a $464.8 million production contract to AeroVironment, Inc. for the Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program, marking the first production contract for a directed energy system in U.S. military history. The contract, announced on September 3, 2026, will deliver dozens of 30 kW LOCUST laser weapons capable of destroying small drones classified as groups one through three, ranging from miniature UAVs like the Air Force's Wasp III to the Army's RQ-7B Shadow. Unlike traditional missile-based systems, the E-HEL fires a laser beam at targets and can reload via its power supply. Army Vice Chief of Staff General Christopher LaNeve hailed the program as a first-of-its-kind directed energy capability. The LOCUST X3 laser weapon is platform-agnostic and can be mounted on the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), unlike earlier prototypes tailored for Stryker combat vehicles. The contract follows successful testing at White Sands Missile Range and builds on the Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) prototypes. This award represents a significant milestone for the Army's laser program after disappointing feedback on earlier Directed Energy Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense (DE M-SHORAD) systems in the Middle East.
Source report
The U.S. Army has awarded a $464.8 million production contract to AeroVironment, Inc. for the Enduring-High Energy Laser program (E-HEL), marking the first production contract for a directed energy system in U.S. military history, the company announced Wednesday.
System Capabilities
Unlike traditional missile-based systems used to shoot down unmanned aircraft, the E-HEL fires a laser beam at its targets and can reload its magazine through the system's power supply, according to the Army.
"This first-of-its-kind directed energy program will enable our formations to defeat unmanned systems and dominate from the outset," said Vice Chief of Staff of the Army General Christopher LaNeve in an Army statement. "Pairing human ingenuity with advanced technology is what ensures our Army will continue to outpace America's adversaries."
Contract Details
Under the Other Transaction Agreement, AeroVironment will deliver dozens of 30 kW LOCUST laser weapons capable of neutralizing smaller drones classified by the Defense Department as Groups 1 through 3. These include:
- Miniature UAVs comparable to the Air Force's Wasp III
- Larger systems such as the Army's RQ-7B Shadow
Program Milestones
The E-HEL production announcement represents a significant win for the Army's laser program, following disappointing soldier feedback on the Directed Energy Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense (DE M-SHORAD) system during Middle East operations.
While the DE M-SHORAD prototypes were tailored for the Stryker combat vehicle, AeroVironment's LOCUST X3 laser weapon is platform-agnostic and can be mounted on the Army's Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV).
Building on Prior Success
The E-HEL program builds on the success of the Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) prototypes currently in use by U.S. soldiers.
The contract follows successful LOCUST testing at White Sands Missile Range, led by Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401) and PAE Fires. The testing demonstrated safe, effective counter-drone operations in U.S. airspace and directly enabled a DOW–FAA safety agreement validating the system for domestic use.
Source
Military TimesWestern
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U.S. Army awards $464.8 million contract for first production of high-energy laser weapons