AeroVironment showcased its latest version of the high-energy Counter Drone Laser weapon, the Locust 3X, at the AUSA Global Force 2026 event held in Huntsville, Alabama, from 24 to 26 March. The weapon system represents the newest development from the BlueHalo team, which was acquired by AeroVironment in May 2025.
High-power directed energy, particularly lasers, has been regarded as one of the promising technologies for countering smaller Group 1, 2, and 3 unmanned aerial drones. The high-energy laser offers the potential to engage multiple targets in rapid succession, thus enabling it to address attacks by drone swarms. With the laser beam traveling at the speed of light, it can also hit drones manoeuvring and moving at high speeds. Additionally, a laser weapon can continue engaging targets as long as it has power; it is not limited by the number of rounds, as with conventional missile or gun systems.
The Locust 3X is a 25kW-30kW laser, modular beam director. It includes integrated electro-optics for search, identification, and tracking. This third-generation design adds AI capability and automation to detection, tracking, and engagement. The system is intended to address not only smaller Group 1 and 2 drones but also larger Group 3 combat drones. The latter includes the Iranian Shahed and Russia’s Geran drones, which have been prominent on recent battlefields.
Locust 3X features a modular design that can be adapted for various missions and applications. It can serve as a fixed ground mount for base or airfield protection or operate in a mobile configuration on a JLTV or squad vehicle.
The US Army is developing lasers through its Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) and Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) prototype programmes. Aaron Westman, a Senior Director of Business Development at AeroVironment and former employee of BlueHalo, stated that the company is involved in both projects.
AeroVironment states it plans to commence full system testing and evaluation in the coming months. However, it notes that all of its subsystems have been tested individually, which helps to ensure a smoother transition to the complete system. Additionally, early versions of the system have undergone field tests, including soldier hands-on operation, which have been incorporated into this latest edition.
by Stephen W. Miller
