LOCUST Laser Weapon System

LOCUST is a US-developed high-energy laser weapon family for counter-drone defense, originally developed by BlueHalo and now supplied by AeroVironment.

Overview

LOCUST is a counter-uncrewed aircraft system weapon supplied by AeroVironment, which describes the LOCUST X3 as the third generation of its high-energy laser family. The company identifies X3 as a modular system with laser configurations spanning 20–35+ kW and software for detection, tracking and engagement. Its principal role is defense against small drones, rather than the broader aircraft and missile target sets associated with larger air-defense systems. AeroVironment supplies the published X3 specifications.

The US Army operates LOCUST through the Palletized High Energy Laser, or P-HEL, and Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser, or AMP-HEL, programs. According to the Army's account to Military.com, the first P-HEL began operational employment overseas in November 2022. Subsequent configurations placed LOCUST on light tactical vehicles, while AeroVironment reports a palletized installation was tested with the Navy aboard an aircraft carrier.

LOCUST combines a laser with optical tracking and external sensor cueing. Its appeal is a low claimed expenditure per engagement and integration across several platforms. Its limits include weather-dependent performance, the time required to maintain the beam on a target, and engagement of one target at a time, as described by The War Zone.

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