Army awards AeroVironment $464.8M laser weapons contract
By The BriefBrief
The U.S. Army awarded AeroVironment a $464.8 million contract for its Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program, moving the system from prototype to production. AeroVironment expects to deliver “well into the dozens” of LOCUST X3 laser weapon systems over the next few years under an other transaction agreement.
WHO:U.S. Army and AeroVironment
WHAT:Award of a $464.8 million production contract for the Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program and expected delivery of LOCUST X3 laser weapon systems
WHEN:Reported Sep 2, 2026 at 2:54 PM ET
WHERE:USA
WHY:To move the Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program from prototype to production and expand directed-energy counter-drone capability with low-cost laser shots.
Reporting from 2 identified publishers across this event arc.
